First gun help!

[u/Mr_Nuclear1]

Hey all, just recently upgraded my minors licence to a full PAL (and soon RPAL 🤞)

Now I’m in the market to buy my first firearm, now fortunately I have a family friend / uncle who has graciously allowed me full access to his arsenal, and I’m looking for an addition that both makes sense as a first gun, but doesn’t overlap with his collection

TM22
Maverick 88
Old Beretta SA 12ga
308, 303, 30-06 bolts (hunting guns)
30-30 win lever

Budget is ~1300 CAD (ignoring tax)
If there’s something greatly better that’s a bit more, I def could continue saving!

I was looking at a few guns, Panzer M4, any 357 lever, Deerya 9mm pump, Sks?

I have been participating in clay sports and F class /PRS with loaners, but long range diciplines seem to be a bit outside my budget unfortunately, I’m hopping to one day be able to participate in dynamic shotgun sports (if IPSC Ontario gets of their f asses and makes a course…)

I am ready to be humbled on my suggestions, please send help 😆

[u/Top_Importance6216]

lever .357, save money by shooting .38 special

[u/Mr_Nuclear1 → u/Top_Importance6216]

Do you have any recommendations? Ik Henry is the gold standard iirc

[u/Top_Importance6216 → u/Mr_Nuclear1]

I run a s&w 1854, walnut finish. love it.

[u/Iokua_CDN → u/Mr_Nuclear1]

For me, I'm a cheapo Rossi fan.  Get a Rossi for 1k, or a Citadel for 800 bucks.

Treat it like a project gun, fix the few flaws it has. Soften the sharp edges around the loading gate,  press the loading gate in and soften the spring pressure. Soften the magazine spring  or trim it shorter. Tighten all the screws.  And then you'll have a great rifle!

Also, henry is falling behind in QC among the Americans. New marlins are the gold standard now. The Smitb and Wesson ain't too far behind. Classic Japanese made Winchestors are pretty well regarded too. Henry is a tier below. Rossi is probably another tier below. Turkish made ones are likely yet another tier below that.