First Time Card Holder

[u/ExtremeCommercial821]

I'm sure this is a tale as old as time, but I recently got my non-restricted and I've noticed 2 things;

1) Buying guns seem simple yet Googling local stores shows mostly the same stock and not a lot of "charm"

2) Prices are insane

I'm in Toronto; what are the best methods people use to buy from the community? Are there legendary go-to forums for private sales? Or are there hidden gem shops? Or gun shows where I can find cool stuff and meet enthusiastic people?

And, what are this groups opinions on the best first firearms for a newbie? I'm a big fan of brake-barrel shotguns, bolt-action, anything vintage and a good semi-auto.

Thanks everyone!

[u/DecentComposer545]

To be fair I will find a gun i like. Look up reviews and then spend 2-3 weeks looking at prices all over and usually order or buy from who ever has the best deal or put on layaway and pay it down in chunks. Its an expensive hobby and it just gets more and more expensive as you go. 

I have had my PAL for just about a year and have one of every type I want, in the caliber I want.

.22lr Winchester Wildcat 6.5 Creedmoor American Ranch Gen II 12ga Mossberg 500 pump with 3 barrels 12 ga Panser Arms M4 speedpro semi auto. 

That is my collection for the foreseeable future as its all I want/need.

For ammo shop sales and stack it deep when you find a smoking deal. I also trade ammo with friends so we all get to try what is out there and we can dial in each gun. 

[u/Iokua_CDN → u/DecentComposer545]

Just gotta say,  you got the perfect little collection,  that hits every kind of shooting. 

Blast away at closer range with your Wildcst semi auto,  action shooting,  multiple targets. 

Try a bit of long range shooting with your 6.5 creedmoor

And then be good for any shotgun sports, clays  and skeet, with your pump and semi auto shotgun. And if you think your panser doesn't belong on the skeet range, heck, it's got Chokes, throw a 6 inch extension  in it and you'll have a 24.5 inch barrel on it plus Chokes to choose your spread!

[u/DecentComposer545 → u/Iokua_CDN]

Its taken me a bit to find everything that works for me the way I like.

I sat online for months looking for a semi auto shotgun. Looked at all the big guns, talked to many people... then one day I saw the Panzer at the store and it felt like it was "the one". My only complaint is I can eat a case of ammo on each range trip blasting with it. 

The 6.5 came from necessity with helping a friend on their farm deal with brave coyotes. I wanted something I could use near London and also go north with and go after bigger game. Its not going to compete out at 600 yards but damn will it ring a gong at 300. Ammo is cheap enough and varies in what you can do.

The Wildcat was due to having my kids get into shooting and wanting a very cheap way to train them. It does everything I want and is light enough to be a backpack gun when needed.

The mossberg is pretty much my bird gun. It's filled my freezer with goose, duck, and Turkey(more tomorrow)

To the OP find what guns speak to you and fit your wants and needs. Buy once cry once. Get a good range membership or find crown land and learn all the in and outs. go to range days and test drive some guns you want to try. 

[u/Iokua_CDN → u/DecentComposer545]

Might have to check out the Panzer. Have yet to buy a semi auto shotgun myself, just pump and break action so far 

[u/DecentComposer545 → u/Iokua_CDN]

The Panzer is about 1/3 of the price of a Benelli. I would say it is at the top of the clones and as close as you can get. Out ofnthe box it has performed fantastic and I can see that getting even better with more of a break in. 

[u/Iokua_CDN → u/DecentComposer545]

Now does Panzer make an inertia version, or a clonenof an inertia shotgun too?? 

[u/DecentComposer545 → u/Iokua_CDN]

Panzer Arms M2 is what you are after. Not sure if they are in Canada. Can always ask your local store that carries the Panzer/EGE brands. Not sure if I can shout out places here.