Yes JH the old rabbit can be very tasty,i was almost reared on it as my old man was a shooter,trapper,ferreter etc and I joined him most of the time.

Young rabbits roast up well,`ol mum always stuffed them with breadcrumbs,herbs,onion,spices,bacon etc with the addition of minced apple to promote moisture throughout.

My own fave is for about third grown cut in pieces rolled in spiced flour then shallow fried in a heavy black cast iron pan.

And you are right about the old 22 even with its rainbow trajectory,they are fantastic and quiet for sniping rabbits over a warren pre sundown...head shots only mind you in this camp!

I have a 220 Swift with a 6-18 L on it ... but I much prefer the up close fun of the .22 for sure. the Swift comes out when the rabbits get a bit human shy and thus one can sit back a few hundred yards and bust away.