If you are going to hunt rabbits with beagles then you will need a shotgun, I like the .20 guage. Auto, pump or stack barrel is a personal choice.
Rifle I would go with a .270 Rem 700 and top it with a Zeiss Conquest.

270,3006
depends a little on your terrain
where i hunt
i can shoot a long way or in the thickets
my 30 06 with a good bulletleaves a blood trail a 4 year old can follow if the placement is right
my latest rifle is a tikka(great trigger)

rabbits i like a 20

You folks are talking to yourself. It appears Mr Ward has left the house. LOL

Was he due back here by a certain date and time to retrieve his answers / replys .... lest they are rendered void and meaningless?? Or perhaps he has other things to do and will check back when possible ..... not all of us here are on here all day everyday....

That being said ..... .308 for deer sized game , a .410 or 20 ga. ..... unless you are seeking more of a challenge , then a .22 .

Optics ... Nikon Buckmaster scopes are the best at their pricepoint , and for more ..... the Nikon Monarch ..... for less.... the Nikon Prostaff.

God Bless

MET

For deer, I would go with a .270, but I am a little bias. I would go with a shotgun for rabbits, especially if you hunt with dogs. I would go with at least a 20 ga.I squirrel hunt with a Ruger 10/22. I really don't rabbit hunt. I will take one when given the chance while squirrel hunting with my .22 though.

Thompson Center Pro Hunter oirEndeavor. Interchangeable barrels in any caliber inclusding inline muzzle loader. http://www.tcarms.com/

God Bless you and your family for the serrvice and sacrficie to our country!

x4