So in about 6 months I will be turning 18, and I plan on buying a Mossberg 500 in 12 Gauge, but I'm a bit concerned about 12 gauge destroying the meat of Rabbits and Squirrels and other small game, I know that there's 12 gauge small game loads but I wonder if even that is too much for them.

We shoot dove with 12's all the time and they are small. Just shoot a super light load and don't shoot em to close up and I reckon you'll be fine.

They work great. Just shoot them in the head if you are real close, otherwise no issues. Dove are smaller than rabbits and most of them are plenty edible after being shot

Alright, my dad also has a few .22s I can use so that will come in handy, thank you for your advice.

Load that new Mossberg 12 Gauge with #6 shot and you should be good to go. If you are worried about meat destruction use a modified choke instead of a full choke.

A shotgun is the most versatile firearm out there. Pattern test some different loads to see what your shotgun likes.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

Yeah, that's why I love shotguns, you can kill anything from a prairie dog to a elephant with one.

I have had my Mossberg 500 12GA for 38 years and have killed 1000's of animals with it. You may destroy some but overall just shoot and don't worry about it.

It will work just fine, just don't shoot them too close.

If you are real close just hold off of it bit when pointing the shotgun so you don't mangle it. You will figure it out just fine.

No telling how many squirrels my grandpa shot with his trusty old Remington humpback 12 gauge. My grandma could make a mean pot of squirrel and dumplings. Grandpa was partial to 7 1/2 shot, but would use whatever he found on sale.

Have hunted Squirrels for 40 years with a 12 gauge, #5 shot which Remington now calls Pheasant loads.