I agree, in that ones 12 gauge is a bit "overkill" for Squirrels and even Rabbits, with regular loads. Also too much recoil for younger Hunters. My Grandfather always used a 16 gauge while my Dad (when he had time to hunt) used a 12 gauge. I always went for the smaller gauges like the 20, 28, & .410. One can buy lighter loads for the 12 & 16 gauges, which have an 1-oz. of shot, which would be fine.