22LR Choices
Lever Action: Marlin 39A - quality at a reasonable price.
Bolt Action: Can't go wrong with a CZ - best way to stretch your budget & accurate too!
Semi-Auto: T/C Benchmark - very accurate.

As far as the 17's are concerned, I haven't seen what they do to rabbits, but if you are going to squirrel hunt with a 17 better consign yourself to "head shots only", otherwise the 17 will gut & skin em for you....LOL...nothing left to eat.

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!