r/canadaguns • u/yeppsir112 • May 27 '26

Buy recommendations ss211 camping

What do you guys think of carrying a SS211 in my pack as a backup for backpacking camping to keep in the site.
In bear country would have bear spray of course, but an extra layer of protection at camp for predators or weirdos showing up in the night. Exploring my options

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u/goodfleance May 28 '26

I've said this before when this exact question is asked...NO.

The ss-211 is awesome, I have one and it's hilarious. But it is NOT something I would ever ever ever trust my life to. Mine is already getting "crunchy" in the safety selector and has developed a slight rattle after less than 75 rounds.

I watched the forend on my brother's 211 shatter from one shot of magnum steel shot. Just fell apart in his hands. Warranty fixed it but that doesn't help when you're being eaten.

For roughly the same price you could get a Mossberg shockwave that you can absolutely bet your life on, has more than 2 rounds, and also fits in a bag.

The best budget option is a maverick 88, basically Mossberg 500 base model. Dead reliable, holds 5 rounds and goes bang every time.

The higher budget option is a lever action in 45/70 or 44 mag but those are almost certainly more expensive and harder to fit in a bag. Although there are takedown models which are pretty cool. The "spread" of a shotgun is likely negligible at bear defense distance and most people run slugs anyway, so the "single bullet vs 9 pellets" argument is mostly moot.

Bear spray is the right call 99% of the time but when you NEED a gun, it needs to go bang without question.

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u/Iokua_CDN May 28 '26

Great list! Wanted to add perhaps,  the folding 12 ga semi  auto, for portability being the same when you carry it folded,  and I believe you can have it all loaded and ready to go,  just unfold and shoot,  making it safe to carry too.

Buuuuut, Turkish made quality, so if make sure I'd vigorously test it before relying on it. 

I like your idea of a Mares leg or Shockwave better.  Short powerful and reliable.  Particularly the shock wave as I find pumps are easier to work without a stock. Levers I find working the lever without a stock throws My aim off.