Deer season is in full force across North America right now, but what if you’re tagged out, or you live in a place where there are no deer? Or, maybe you just don’t care for deer hunting? If you want to go afield to chase down smaller game, and you want to get the right rifle, shotgun, or pistol for the job, then here are some options you should consider for small game hunting in 2025.
Stevens 301
The basic, affordable single-shot shotgun has been the foundation of millions of hunting careers in North America because it works as everything: goose blaster, duck swatter, even a deer killer—and especially a small game gun. Bird or rabbit shooting can be hectic if multiple targets present themselves, but often, it’s just down to sneaking around the woods, potting whatever targets present themselves. It’s old-school beginner-friendly subsistence hunting, and for generations, a low-priced single shot got the job done here. The Stevens 301 can still get the job done, and comes in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410. I’d recommend 20 gauge for all-around work, because the 12 gauge will kick you hard and the .410 is too light for larger game. Available in full-length with a 26-inch barrel or compact length with a 22-inch barrel; try them both on for size at your local gun store. MSRP is $219; more details here.
Henry Single Shot Shotgun
If you want a nicer shotgun for days afield, the Henry offers a finer fit and finish, including a walnut stock (pistol grip or English-style straight grip, your choice). You also get your choice of steel or brass frame. Once again, your choice is 12 or 20 gauge or .410; I’d pick 20, again, with brass frame and straight stock, because I think it looks classy and would be a fast-handling gun for busting bunnies—and it should last you the rest of your life. MSRP is $597; see more info at Henry’s website.
CZ Bobwhite G2
If the single-shot shotgun is the quintessential beginner’s small game gun, the side-by-side shotgun is the stereotypical gun that their dad hauled alongside them. Remember Elmer Fudd? He used a double-barrel, and so did your grandfather, probably. The CZ Bobwhite G2 is a lightweight, utilitarian shotgun with a quick-shouldering straight grip and a black chrome finish to shrug off corrosion. The dual triggers might be old-fashioned, but they’ve worked for generations, and they’ll work for you. Available in 12, 20 or 28 gauge, with a 28-inch barrel for a smooth swinging that helps you down a bird on the wing. And only $749 MSRP from CZ; see more info at their website here.
Browning Auto 5 Sweet Sixteen
Browning’s 16 gauge Auto 5 is the classic all-round small game gun. The 20 gauge is a treat to shoot as well, but the Sweet Sixteen has just a bit more beef if you want to go after pheasant or other larger birds. The new Auto 5 doesn’t have quite the same flair as the original long-action A5 designed by John Moses Browning himself, but it’s softer-shooting and a treat to haul in the field, with gorgeous furniture and reliable bang-bang-bang semi-auto action. MSRP is $1,979; see it at Browning’s website here.
Savage 42 Takedown
If you can’t decide between the accuracy of a rifle or the shoot-’em-on-the-run capability of a shotgun, Savage offers both with the Model 42. The break-action double-barrel fires rimfire rifle rounds from the top barrel (.22 LR or .22 Magnum) and .410 from the bottom barrel. Maybe the ultimate rabbit/snowshore hare gun, if you’re hunting varied cover. Available in compact or full-sized version, in different finishes. Not as attractive or classic as Savage’s old Model 24; if you can find one of them in good nick, it’s a nicer option. But it’s long been discontinued, so if you want new, buy the 42. MSRP starts at $579.
Winchester Ranger
The Winchester lever-action was a foundation of America’s hunting scene. The new Ranger rimfire allows you to carry that tradition forward, busting bunnies instead of bucks. Unlike many of the rimfire lever-actions on the market, the Ranger actually looks like an old-school woods rifle. If you don’t see any game, you can always put a can on a stump and unload on it John Wayne-style. Shooting cheap .22LR shells and with an MSRP of $419.99, it’s a very affordable way to get into the look and feel of a classic brush gun. See more pix at Winchester.com.
Ruger 10/22
America’s best-selling semi-auto .22, for generations. The Ruger 10/22 functions with just about any kind of ammo, handles easily with a flush-mount mag, readily takes a scope (or peep sight, if you want to play differently), and is available in everything from el-cheapo optic-and-gun combo packages to nicer Euro-look rifle-length versions. The stainless-and-synthetic version is probably the best for small game hunting in foul weather. Accessorize it to your wildest dream; the world’s most popular .22 can be turned into any kind of hunting rifle you want. At Ruger’s website, MSRP starts around $369, but can go up a lot depending what version of the rifle you buy.
Henry Classic Lever Action
Unlike most of the lever-action rimfires on the market, the Henry is available in .22 Magnum and even .17 HMR. Or you can go with trust .22 LR as well, but the magnum rounds will let you reach out a bit further. Just make sure to zap ‘em in the head; those high-velocity rounds will make a mess of the meat if you hit the body. MSRP starts at $425, but the magnum models will cost you more. See them all at Henry’s website here.
Ruger Mark IV Hunter
Decades ago, rimfire revolvers fed outdoorsmen across the U.S.; these days, you don’t hear so much about it. But Ruger still makes a .22LR pistol for small game hunting, and if you want a handgun to full the pot, the Mark IV Hunter pistol will easily do the job. Adjustable iron sights let you dial in your old-school shooting skills, but the pistol is drilled and tapped so you can add an optic if you wish. A red dot would make this the ultimate small game-getter. Ruger’s MSRP starts at $999; more info here.
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