Yes I have done a lot of squirrel and rabbit hunting with a 22 handgun,it's a challenge specially those little grey squirrels.Started out when I was 11-12 years old?? my parents bought(x-mas) my first
handgun a H&R 999 Sportsman 22 revolver,two of my cousins also were given 22 revolvers that year for x-mas...Small game wasn't safe for miles
Now 35-36 years later I still enjoy small game hunting with a 22 handgun,these days I really enjoy hunting with my Ruger mkII slab side 22 pistol..
Give it a try I am sure you will enjoy small game handgunning.