r/canadaguns • u/ExtremeCommercial821 • Apr 24 '26

Buy recommendations First Time Card Holder

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!

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u/DecentComposer545 Apr 25 '26

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. 

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u/Iokua_CDN Apr 25 '26

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

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u/DecentComposer545 Apr 25 '26

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. 

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u/Iokua_CDN Apr 25 '26

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

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u/DecentComposer545 Apr 25 '26

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.