Help with choosing the right gun

[u/Riversruinsandwoods]

Hey folks as I wait for my PAL to arrive in the mail. I’ve been constantly browsing online and doing lots of research into different firearms. I mostly would be using them to bring along when I go hiking out to a back lake for trout incase I come across any small game or birds. I also plan on doing a bit of turkey hunting.

I have access to a .22LR that I can borrow as well. I’ve been looking into something like a 20 gauge mossberg 500 figured it’s fairly versatile and would be a good starter until I inevitably buy more. If you guys have an suggestions on models, gauge etc I’d love to hear em and let me know what you think.

[u/airchinapilot]

What is your budget?

20g would be fine for small game and birds (upland or waterfowl). The only slight downside is you can always find 12g ammo and your 20g might be slightly more limited at stores.

.22 would limit you to small game or stationary birds like grouse.

If you have more hunting questions I suggest r/canadahunting.

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/airchinapilot]

I’d like to keep my budget within the $1000-$800 range. If I can spend less and put some money towards a nice safe and some accessories that’d be nice.

[u/airchinapilot → u/Riversruinsandwoods]

if you bump up that budget to $1200ish it will get you into the nicer pumps or lower end semis. Benelli Super Nova is popular at the higher end.

If you want to keep to the lower end of your range: Mossberg 500, Winchester SXP can be good entry level pumps.

Some would advise you to stay away from lower end semis because of quality control. Also pumps are easier to field repair.

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/airchinapilot]

Certainly have been drooling over the supernova. I think I’m going to stay away from semi auto for the time being. Thanks for the help certainly has helped me narrow things down. Think I’m going to start with a pump action and go from there.

[u/JJJJJ2119 → u/Riversruinsandwoods]

For around $1300 the beretta a300 ultima is unbelievable. (If you go the semi route) love mine

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/JJJJJ2119]

It will certainly be considered and maybe put on the back burner till I fully invest in duck hunting.

[u/Jonesy_of_Nostromo → u/Riversruinsandwoods]

You can get a 20 gauge for well under a grand.

Buy a cheap reliable gun, spend the rest on shells. 20 gauge isn’t cheap nowadays.

You don’t need a semi auto to shoot a grouse. Break action shotguns are super reliable and they make you consider each shot a bit more.

[u/Dantheislander → u/Riversruinsandwoods]

A used Italian semi in 12 or 20 is the absolute most bang for your buck. You would instead get a Turkish banger and an ati stock sks but the beretta or benelli will be an heirloom it’ll last so long.

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/[deleted]]

😂 I certainly see a 30-06 in my future.

[u/surfanoma → u/[deleted]]

For grouse 😎.

[u/faultysynapse → u/[deleted]]

Everybody needs a 338. Be it win mag or lapua.  The billionaire s are going to be bringing back dinosaurs and direwolves before you know it. You're going to need something to pierce those hides and drop millions of years of Apex predator single-minded drive with extreme prejudice. And from a safe distance.

[u/NemrahG]

A mossberg 500 would be a solid choice, they’re very reliable and affordable too.

20 gauge is a good round too, it works well with small game and turkeys, but I’ve always found it so similar to 12 gauge that personally I’d rather go with that since it has much more availability and options.

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/NemrahG]

Yea I certainly my have been debating about just getting the 12 gauge but worry about damaging meat on small game. Do you think full choke on a 12 gauge would be satisfactory. I even debated a .410 but the cost of shells is a bit outrageous.

[u/NemrahG → u/Riversruinsandwoods]

12 gauge is perfectly fine for small game as long as you use the right ammo. The choke really depends on how far you’re expecting to shoot, I usually just keep a modified choke in my shotgun because I find it works well out to 40ish meters.

One thing you could do it pattern the shotgun, shoot paper targets at varying distances to measure the spread. That way you can check what the spread for a given distance.

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/NemrahG]

This is really good know. Thanks for tips especially on the patterning, guess that’s the only way your really going to know what works.

[u/VanillaHighlights]

Honestly, I would suggest a single shot 12 gauge.  I'm in the mindset of "one shot, one chance", in that having a single round forces you to slow down and make your movements count. 

They're also cheap as dirt, I got a (POS) Rossi for $80 years ago that's gotten me a handful of grouse and thousands of (clay) pigeons.

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/VanillaHighlights]

Yea I was looking at a Charles Daly but figured getting a proper pump would just be more versatile.

[u/VanillaHighlights → u/Riversruinsandwoods]

Porquoi pas les deux?

Versitility? My friend, allow me to introduce you to shotgun inserts. They're not great, but they sure are a thing.

https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/17m8s7w/here_is_my_collection_of_shotgun_inserts/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button 

[u/Omega_Shaman]

Since you were thinking 20 gauge, I would go with a Mossberg 500 Turkey. Reliable as a tank.

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/Omega_Shaman]

Thanks for the advice ! Think it’s between the mossberg 500 and the super nova. Since it’s my first gun tempting to go with the cheaper option.

[u/Omega_Shaman → u/Riversruinsandwoods]

Mossberg SA-20 and VR-66 20 gauge are tempting semi auto options that are more tactical looking too. There is a SA20 on gunpost right now for a good price.

Fun to consider but you really cant go wrong with a Mossberg pump.

[u/starw24-ps4]

Sks

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/starw24-ps4]

So tempting 😂 it’s certainly in the cards.

[u/SierraRomeoJuliet]

SKS, then a mossberg 500/590/590A1. Or a Maverick 88 if you're on a budget.

[u/Unlikely_sniper]

Sks or get your hands on a scout rifle, like the ruger ranch.

[u/h3IIfir3pho3nix]

Is there a reason you're looking at 20ga instead of 12ga? 12ga is cheaper and easier to find in stock vs 20ga, so unless you're recoil-sensitive I'd recommend the 12ga instead. A Mossberg 500 is a great choice, you don't need anything more than that as a starter gun.

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/h3IIfir3pho3nix]

The reason for the 20 ga is because from what I’ve read it was the superior gauge for grouse, woodcock and rabbit and maybe the odd turkey which is what I’d most likely come across while out fishing/hiking. I’m a fairly big dude so not to worried about recoil. As someone else mentioned earlier though it seems I’m misinformed as they said a 12ga would be fine.

[u/h3IIfir3pho3nix → u/Riversruinsandwoods]

The main benefit of 20ga is going to be if it results in a lighter weight gun that is easier to carry while hunting in the field.

Performance of the specific shell is going to come down to the shot size and the powder behind it, so 20ga vs 12ga doesn't matter so much in that regard. In general you'll either have more pellets or more energy or both with a 12ga, so it should perform better all else being equal.

For simplicity sake, as well as cost of ammo and availability, I'd recommend a 12ga for you instead.

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/h3IIfir3pho3nix]

Thanks for detailed explanation that makes sense. Appreciate you taking the time ! All the best

[u/FormerTinGod]

What about a 22/410 over under

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/FormerTinGod]

Yea I saw savage arms makes one. Haven’t heard the best things in terms of quality. But looks like a fun one.

[u/HappyCan7250]

When you're ready for a full size centerfire rifle, the absolute BEST budget rifle I've ever used was a Stevens/Savage 334. It is much nicer than the Axis despite being priced the same or cheaper. Only downside it doesn't come in 223, but comes in 308, 30-06, 270, 6.5, and a couple other calibers. 

Even though I own a few more expensive rifles, it's still one of my favourites and one of favourites and extremely accurate for its price, it outshoots some of my $1k+ rifles.

I know you weren't asking about rifles, but I thought I'd mention it for when you're ready.

I'd also opt for a 12ga over a 20ga, as others have said, just because ammo is a bit cheaper and wider selection and availability. 20ga is good too, just depends on your size and how comfortable you are with recoil.

[u/Riversruinsandwoods → u/HappyCan7250]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll certainly take a look at the stevens 334. I think I’m going to go for the 12 gauge seems to make the most sense.

[u/Penguinbotxv]

Based off of your budget. Sks french tickler, Mossberg pump of choice I'd suggest a 590, nova 3 from benelli. Budget reliable semi auto shotgun probably a 940, would not suggest Turkish if you're not handy. Check gunpost if you want second hand, could save you a lot but be careful

[u/[deleted]]

sako s20 hunter 7mm rem mag and don’t be a baby about it