Best Small Game Gun

[bowhunterwa87]

Stevens 22-410 is my favorite so far

[RavensdaleYoungBuck]

I have a 12 gauge for waterfowl and a 30-06 for big game. I just want a smaller gun to shoot coyotes, raccoons, etc. 

[VarmintVentilator]

Decisions- decisions.  So many really nice guns out there to choose from.  Ain't life grand?   

[carpsniperg2]

If you are going mainly after "bigger small game" Like yotes. You may want to up it a little more to a 223 or 22-250. We have killed plenty of yotes with a 22 mag but I do favor a little more knockdown if yotes are my main target.

[BiggLuke]

 
...and If your aim is mostly smaller small game like racoons, a .223 is overkill, and super loud compared to a .22lr.
I say just start with a 10/22.
It's a great gun, plus super fun and cheap to shoot for plinking.

[ckr]

Savage 24 22 mag /410.   You can't beat it

[Ziptie]

The Savage 22LR or 22 mag/ 410 is  a very versatile combo for small game/ birds.  I think it depends on what you are planning on hunting.  Also, a 410 with a full choke and the ability to shoot 3" mags is a great small game getter.  I have killed many grouse with a ruger 10/22 (using standard vel round nose) and also with a 410.  If you are looking at small game for food with the coyote option I would look at a 22Mag, I think a grouse can only be taken with a rim fire or shotgun in WA.  I have also used the FMJ 22 Mag on grouse and other small game with great success.  The 22 mag is a small game show stopper.  Good luck! 

[Special T]

For a VERY short period of time Savage made a .223 12 ga model 24. They are fairly rare and i have not seen very many of them. I have contacted savage several times about taking thier new modle 42 and adding that combo in some kind of predator setup... could you imagine that for calling in dogs?   

[headshot5]

For a VERY short period of time Savage made a .223 12 ga model 24. They are fairly rare and i have not seen very many of them. I have contacted savage several times about taking thier new modle 42 and adding that combo in some kind of predator setup... could you imagine that for calling in dogs?

I've got one.  It is pretty fun and versatile gun, that said I use a .22 mag or a bolt .223 if I'm hunting coyotes just a preference for me. 

[Oldguy]

The Savage 22LR or 22 mag/ 410 is  a very versatile combo for small game/ birds.  I think it depends on what you are planning on hunting.  Also, a 410 with a full choke and the ability to shoot 3" mags is a great small game getter.  I have killed many grouse with a ruger 10/22 (using standard vel round nose) and also with a 410.  If you are looking at small game for food with the coyote option I would look at a 22Mag, I think a grouse can only be taken with a rim fire or shotgun in WA.  I have also used the FMJ 22 Mag on grouse and other small game with great success.  The 22 mag is a small game show stopper.  Good luck! 

Check page 29 of the Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Seasons regulations regarding legal firearms for hunting Forest Grouse. You are a bit off in the rules.

[Ziptie]

thanks for the "check" I was taught that they could only be taken with rim fire or big game caliber during big game season if you had the appropriate tags.  (not including shotgun)