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!
35
Upvotes
1
u/Iokua_CDN May 30 '26
I go with the trio
A 22 rifle
A shotgun
A centerfire rifle.
The 22 rifle is really great for cheap practicing and relaxing at the range and target shooting. However it also opens up possibilities for small game hunting. Semi auto or bolt action are cheap and available. Lever actions also available for a bit higher cost.
Shotgun is the do all. Shooting slugs at the range is great, shooting slugs at deer is pretty effective too. Birdshot at clays is an absolute blast, and birdshot at birds and small game is also great. Pump action is usually the cheapest, but you can get some old, used double barrels from Europe of intersurplus if you want to be unique
Lastly the centerfire. Used to by everyone recommended the Sks, but for you, I think there are better options. A bolt action 7.62 x39 like the cz 600 alpha would be great for hunting and for target shooting. Going up to 308 would increase your range and power but be a bit pricier for target shooting. Either way, better accuracy and easier to mount a scope than an sks. Other ideas, maybe a lever action like a 357 if you hunt shorter ranges. Really fun at the range but less good at hunting than a 308.
Between those 3, you got pretty much everything covered and you'll have 3 really fun to shoot guns.