My favorite small game gun is a compact, multi-purpose gun that is always with me for thousands of miles of canoeing and dog mushing:
Sp 101 "Parka Pistol".
1. 180 grain A-frame/1200 fps load for bear protection when camp is full of moose and/or caribou. Moose protection when on trails with dog team. Moose are super grumpy in winter when startled by dogs.
2. Ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare and beaver. 158 grain speer tmj/1000 fps.