r/canadaguns • u/Roofincold • May 30 '26

Buy recommendations First gun

Got my pal a few months ago and I’ve been scared to buy my first gun, then finally at a Canadian tire, a very nice dude spent some time and went over a bunch of them with me.

I want to get a Mossberg 590A1 Compact, out of all of them it felt natural and very nicely balanced.

I am planning a trip to the range (never owned a gun, shot one or been close to them other than gaming ).

Anyone have any inputs about it ? I am going to be 3-4 times a year at the range and then going hunting. I am not crazy into guns, but wanted something decent and based on the seller this is the best bang for my buck.

Thank you!

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u/GinnAdvent May 30 '26

I would probably get a 22lr, Ruger 10/22 to get the basics.

Then a shotgun, 590A1 is nice. But I might get Churchill 612 Pump Shotgun w/ Pistol Grip Stock to start with. It's cheap, compact, and has pretty good reviews.

Then the SKS, coz, every Canadian firearm gotta have them.

Then I would probably end with a Tikka bolt action chamber in .308 or 6.5CM. Pair it with a decent scope for hunting need.

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u/HappyCan7250 May 30 '26

Honestly, the 612 is fantastic value for $200. It's by far the best cheap Turkish shotgun I have shot, out of a few models I've owned/friends have owned. 

It was the first fun I ever bought, and I still have it and refuse to part with it for sentimental sake. I have probably 1k Rd through it, with virtually no failures outside of maybe 1 or 2 double feeds, and a couple light strikes that seemed to be one specific brand of ammo.

The machining is actually quite decent for a $200 shotgun. Fewer burrs and sharp edges vs others I've handled.

People might down vote me for this, but I completely trust my 612. I own much more expensive guns, and maybe it's just the sentimental aspect of being my first, but it is extremely reliable, and fairly well made (for a $200 shotgun).

When I'm out camping deep in the bush, the 612 is actually what stays in my tent at night, with the 12" barrel it's a very nice little compact shotgun, and I'm amazed how well it's held up after 1k rd.

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u/GinnAdvent May 30 '26

That's why I actually think 612 is a good starter shotgun. It's cheap and it's actually reliable for something made in Turkey. And it's pretty all function rounder.