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.