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/h3IIfir3pho3nix N E R F G U N S Mar 26 '26

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.

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u/Riversruinsandwoods Mar 26 '26

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.

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u/h3IIfir3pho3nix N E R F G U N S Mar 26 '26

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.

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u/Riversruinsandwoods Mar 26 '26

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