I'd get a .22 caliber long rifle 410 gauge over and under combo, I love mine, while hunting it is the most useful weapon for small game hunting there is.
Get to know your weapon prior to loading it, and never dry fire it. Have them bore sight if you want, however nothing like setting out a target and adjusting your scope yourself. During this time you will get to know your weapon as well.
If you wanna take this a step further, give your weapon a name, my over/under is named ole yeller. My black powder rifle is named gotcha, I own several hand guns but only one has a name, its called the eagle. My big game rifle is called big momma. My deer rifle is named bucky.
Some might ask why would you name your weapons, for the same reason my dog listens to attack commands in a different language ( not German either ) so if you ever find yourself in a tricky spot the rest of your family will know/understand what it is your talking about, not other people. The Army didn't teach me this, my Aunt Johnny taught me. She not only lives in them there hills, she is by all means a hillbilly, she even chews baccer.
