I've shot 10's of rabbits with several semi-auto 9mms and a bajillion critters with my wheelguns. My Glock sucked for accuracy, the Ruger P89 was decent to 25-30 yards, the Ruger Single Six with the 22mag cylinder is my deadly combo, the S&W 357/38sp. was the most accurate mid-size gun and I shot several rockchucks at up to 75 yds. with open sights (only twice at 50+yards), the Taurus Tracker 41mag has accounted for deer, and the new Ruger Flattop 44mag SuperBlackhawk hasn't been shot yet.
For the critters you described, if you want my advice on a semi, get a 40 cal Springfield XD or a Browning hi-power in 9mm. For a wheel gun, I loved my Smith and wish I hadn't traded it for the Taurus, I should have kept it and bought the Taurus. Like them both, but shooting 38special out of it, I could shoot brass off the ground at 25 yards most of the time, open sights. Very accurate hogleg!
