What’s a good cheap varmint gun?

Every farmhouse has a “twenty two” but somehow grampa s walked off alone and my son had my dad’s guns and I do not.

I chose a Quaker college. The only thing I’m going to do with a gun is euthanize a woodchuck the cleanest fastest and most humane way possible.

I feel a little bad about it because a crossbow is a fascinating tool and I’d rather have that but the purpose of a weapon is to euthanize woodchucks humanely. Someone told me to use “twenty two hollow point” bullets.

Im not going to take up hunting or find a lot of things to do with a gun. It’s for euthanizing destructive wild animals caught in cages. Very close range.

I want a cheap gun but not so cheap Im fumbling with a screwdriver, instructions and warranty with an injured animal screaming in a cage.

What’s a nice basic frugal farmhouse kitchen gun?