If I were relying on squirrel dinners for survival then my Beretta SxS 20 gauge would probably get the call. Especially early in the season when the trees are greened up. Later when the leaves are turning colors and falling my old stainless boat paddle Ruger 77/22 .22LR bolt gun or the newer Ruger 10/22 Custom Shop Competition rifle would probably be the ones. But for pure joy, the old Marlin M39A with peep sight is a natural woods rifle that I have killed a lot of critters with over the years.