From what I understand, the 20 ga shotgun round is a bit overkill for small game like squirrels and rabbits, but most fowl hunters prefer the full punch of the 12 ga. So where does the 20 ga fit in all of this?

IMO, it's great for rabbit and squirrel along with dove, quial, chuckar,etc.

i agree with howler, the 20 is my go-to small game gun for when im in the thick stuff or anything fairly fast moving. Last year I took a few squirrels out of the top of some tall poplars that were pretty leafy...im not sure I could have gotten then with anything smaller

The 20 ga. is my go to gun for upland birds, mostly pheasant and sharptail grouse. I suppose its not for everyone, but it is a great performer on these birds when hunting behind a good dog.

great for deer as a slug gun...

don't have the dog, but my father gave me a decent browning 20 ga when i was younger. took my first deer w/ it, actually. thanks for the advice- do you guys use a "light" load for squirrels and rabbits, just a standard bird shot? (i'm not real keen on shotgun shells, as u can see)

Buy the promotional loads available at places like Dick's, Wallyworld, Gander Mt. etc..

Some of them are even labeled " Squirrel & Rabbit " loads...

Low brass, 7/8 oz. #6 shot... They kill rabbits and squirrels just fine and are about the cheapest shotshells you can buy...

awesome, thanx for the tip- :0)

20 makes a great duck and goose gun also.

It's a great small game gun actually. Get some cheap #6 shot and and go kill some stuff!
-Jake