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/HappyCan7250 Mar 26 '26

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.

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u/Riversruinsandwoods Mar 26 '26

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.