How I picked the right air rifle for hunting

Finally ready to pull the trigger on an air rifle for small game hunting but feeling overwhelmed by all the options. Did some research and here's what I've learned so far: Key things to consider: foot-pounds of energy (fpe) at muzzle, effective range, and accuracy. .177 vs .22 caliber seems to be the big debate - .177 has more penetration with lighter pellets building more kinetic energy. Also looking at scope options since accuracy is crucial for ethical kills. For those who've made the jump - what caliber do you recommend for squirrels and rabbits? #hunting #airrifle #hunting #huntinggear