It's really hard to beat a Ruger "Single-Six" convertable for the purpose you mentioned. Being able to jump up in power with the magnum cylinder for tougher critters like coons, groundhogs, or foxes sure makes them a nice choice as far as rimfires go.
I've had a bunch of them, but my current one is my favorite. It's a stainless 5.5" model, and shoots like a dream with a wide variety of both LR, and magnum ammo. It rides with me nearly everywhere, unless I'm carrying my stainless 5.5" 357 Blackhawk. Most times I carry it with the magnum cylinder loaded up with CCI TNT HPs. This combo gives a lot of thump for coons, and such up to 30+ yards.
I think if you'll get a Single-Six in stainless, you'll be well served for many years by it.