r/canadaguns • u/Riversruinsandwoods • Mar 26 '26

Buy recommendations Help with choosing the right gun

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.

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u/airchinapilot Mar 26 '26

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.

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u/Riversruinsandwoods Mar 26 '26

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.

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u/Jonesy_of_Nostromo Mar 26 '26

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.