Now that depends on a few considerations. Will you be flushing game from cover or stalking up on stationary game, that is will the game be still or running? What is the terrain, flat where a solid bullet can carry beyond the boundaries of your hunting plot? And finally, do you like picking shot out of your food?

I argee with country road, a .22 is a good rifle but, the 20 ga. gives you a better chance of making a running shot. And it's a lot better for birds.

I like the .22 for small game. It is cheaper to shoot. also it can be more of a challenge. I feel by shooting a .22 at small game it makes you a better shot when it comes to big game hunting.

20 ga. lot easier to hit a partridge with it and does good on squerrell too

I would also go with the 20ga, this way if you ever want to get into duck or goose hunting you'll have a gun.

Any close shots with a 20 you'll be picking shot out and it shreds the meat, where as a .22 will have one hole. But a 20 guage will give you easier shots on moving animals and birds