If there is a chance of birds being included in your future quarry it's hard to go wrong with a 20 guage

I would say go with a repeating 22 like rugers 10/22 or something similar. I learned to hunt using open sights which I believe helped my become a better shooter, but a good lowpower scope would be a good addition to your small game getter.
Hope that helps... the 20 guage shotgun is also a great choice because it allows for more versitility

You said sml. game like rabbits,squirels, etc.
I'd say a 20ga. will do what you want and later you can use it for ducks,deer, and "other" critters !

If you are planning on bird hunting, I would go with a remington 870 express youth model. It will be a good gun for you for a long time. You can use it as an adult because it is not much different than the full size model. It is great for rabbits and birds. If you are looking to do more along the lines of coyote and such, I would recomend a .223. They are very nice beginning rifles.

If you go with a .22 rimfire, I suggest you learn to shoot open sights first before going with a scope, that will serve you well in the future.

Remington 870 Express Youth model in 20 Gauge will be an effective firearm for upland and small game hunting as wells as deer with the proper ammo. A nice .22 LR would also be appropiate.

I would start with a 22. a air rifle or a pellet gun.

When I was your age I had a ROSSI combo. it had a 20 gauge barrel and a .22 barrel which made it great for small game. It was also a single shot break action so I only had one shot. you learn pretty quick not to miss the first time.

I grew up on a .22 lr and a 20 gauge. Take your pick, but you will not be disappointed with either.

it depends,for close up shots at small game i would say .410 with #6 shot(for squirrels, rabbits, and doves)if your frame is thinner. But I'm 13 and use a 12 gauge with target loads(#8 shot), and my 11 year old brother is trying to convince my dad that we need #5 lead light duck loads for doves etc... I'd use a 410 if i were you since you're new and start with #8's. if you get a fairly heavy gun it won't hurt much more than a .22.

For squirrels i would go with a 22. If you want a gun for cyotes and foxes i would go with a 22-250,243, or 7mm-08

410, a 12 ga is gunna blow the daylights out of ne thing and it will be overkill. 410 will do just fine and you'll save more meat. 22 is also pretty good also.

If you go the .22 route I suggest a bolt, pump, or lever action. A Ruger 10/22 is an outstanding rifle, but in my opinion autoloaders teach one to keep pulling the trigger until you hit the target. Also there is nothing wrong with a single shot. Good marksmanship and safety are always the most important factors in shooting or hunting.

i would say a 20 gauge maybe with a smooth and a rifled barrel, that way if you ever want a decent gun to hunt deer with you have one. also good for ducks and rabbits

for small game I recomend a .22 rifle or a .410 shotgun, the are both good guns.