r/canadaguns • u/Exciting-Parsnip-851 • Aug 11 '26
Buy recommendations WHAT A GOOD STARTING SHOTGUN AND RIFLE IN CANADA ?
Hi all!
I’m new to this subreddit. I have applied for my RPAL and waiting for it to get delivered and am wondering what all should I look at before I get my license in the mail. Any recommendations are welcome. I was looking at the Nova3 and a potential 300 Winchester magnum rifle.
So excited to be part of this community.
EDIT: I wasn’t expecting that many responses haha. Thank you, this subreddit is awesome !!
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u/looloopklopm Aug 11 '26
Don't get a 300wm as your first rifle. It will chew up your shoulder and your wallet. Not super fun to learn on when you develop a flinch.
Get a CZ 457 or ruger 10/22 or something like that for cheap. When that gets boring, get something a bit bigger depending on your needs.
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u/Exciting-Parsnip-851 Aug 12 '26
For a 22lr like the bolt action won’t be as nice as the semi eh?
Someone told me to stick to 22lr but not bolt action-2
u/hafetysazard Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 12 '26
You can get a wearable recoil pad that will take all the sting out, when practicing. It isn’t the end of the world. A 12 gauge with a fast and heavy load would be just as bad, or worse.
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u/looloopklopm Aug 11 '26
Sharing the gospel:
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u/hafetysazard Aug 11 '26
If you’re shooting something like a .300 Win Mag long range for precision, you’re probably going to be behind a heavy gun, and probably have a muzzle brake on it. If it is a hunting rifle, you’re just extending the range that you’ll have enough velocity and energy for a reliable performance. A wearable recoil pad is going to take enough sting out of a hunting gun to sight it in, and practice a bit. Sooner than later, the recoil won’t make much difference.
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u/looloopklopm Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 11 '26
All depends on the use case I'd agree. Being able to hit your target is however ubiquitous no matter what you're doing.
Anyone buying a magnum should know exactly why they need one. (e.g. Sheep hunting at 500 yards in the mountains).
For a starter rifle? Hell no.
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u/hafetysazard Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 11 '26
It is not ideal for target shooting, but it is a solid cartridge. Once he learns how to shoot it, it will be fine. He won’t be the first person, by any means, to get themselves something big like that as their first gun. A whole generation of shooters first gun as kids was their old man’s .30-06, or .303, with a hard butt plate, and they’re find. It isn’t a good thing be scared of recoil.
Heavy kicking guns are harder to shoot, but that makes them more fun. Sitting behind a gun on a heavy bag that barely taps your shoulder…anybody can do that.
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u/looloopklopm Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 11 '26
Just because a bunch of other misinformed people made a bad choice doesn't mean OP needs to as well.
Being scared of recoil is exactly what will happen if you get a cartridge that's too big. Did you learn to drive in an F1 Car? No of course not because that would have been too much to handle and the gas is expensive to use it as a daily driver (just like a 300wm).
"Anyone can do that" is exactly what you want in a first rifle. Shoot the 12ga if it's recoil you're after
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u/hafetysazard Aug 11 '26
Who says they made a bad choice? It is more of a task be able to shoot it well, but a little practice is all it takes to solve that problem. There’s no rule saying you have to get used to a .308 before you move up to a .300 Win Mag. It isn’t that bad. To be fair, a lot of people who can shoot a much smaller cartridge well go back to square one when you put something big in their hands anyways.
It will be fun, it will be a challenge, so I think OP should do it.
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u/looloopklopm Aug 11 '26
If there's a use case for the 300wm and there's only budget for one gun, I'd agree - get it.
For someone just looking for a first rifle with no real use case in mind, it's hard to argue that there aren't better choices to be made. I'll leave it at that.
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u/hafetysazard Aug 11 '26
There are, not disagreeing with you there, but it isn’t insane. It’s not like it is a Weatherby, Ultra Mag, or something. Being able to master the recoil is part of the fun.
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u/Exciting-Parsnip-851 Aug 12 '26
Yes that’s why I wanted a magnum so I feel like I’m acc shooting. but ig this subreddit gave me some seriously good advice and imma start off with the 22lr, hd nova or mossberg and maybe a 300 win magnum rifle in a couple months after im good at not flinching and keeping my eyes open while pulling the trigger
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u/Ace_And_Jocelyn1999 Aug 11 '26
It’s almost always recommended that you start with a .22lr rifle to learn the basics of marksmanship. .22 is cheap and you won’t develop a flinch when starting out.
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u/Eglitarian Aug 11 '26
Frankly, it’s more fun working at pinging a gong at 200 yards or hitting a bullseye with a caliber that’s being stretched to its operational limit and requires some actual work to get a grouping with. Most people just won’t have access to the kind of ranges to do that with a larger centerfire once you’re zeroed it’s kinda boring just repeatedly putting a round on the same spot.
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u/No-Today5207 Aug 12 '26
100% agree. I'll run my .22 to warm up for a bit and then a few strings of 308 and some plate rack speed runs with it, and then im back to the 22 since its cheaper and more challenging. Getting really fast at the KYL at 100m at my range with the .22 has been a blast to learn.
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u/Exciting-Parsnip-851 Aug 12 '26
Right on. A lot of people suggesting that… ig I’ll start with a 22lr haha
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u/Lego_Kode Aug 14 '26
If it hasn't been mentioned yet, CZ 457 is one of the best value 22lrs on the market.
Incredibly accurate, super smooth bolt, well built, crips trigger.
I went with the Lux cause I also wanted to practice with irons or have them as a backup. If you only want to shoot with a scope, I'd go with the American/Canadian.
My father in law (rural Canadian, been hunting for 50+ years) says it's one of the nicest 22s hes shot.
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u/Exciting-Parsnip-851 Aug 15 '26
I just seen on YT It looks so clean such a nice finish. Gonna end up getting that now
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u/SpectreBallistics Spectre Ballistics International (Verified) Aug 11 '26
Rifle: Tikka T3x in 308win. 308 can be used on any game in Canada.
Shotgun: Mossberg 500, choose a model with chokes.
Rimfire Rifle: 10/22
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u/epnk420 Aug 11 '26
I was gonna say tikka too but all solid choices you listed
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u/SpectreBallistics Spectre Ballistics International (Verified) Aug 11 '26
It's hard to go wrong with a Tikka. I own a bunch of hunting rifles, and the Tikka is by far my favorite.
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u/GlockPurdy Aug 12 '26
I just picked up the varmint in 308 as my first firearm. I haven’t shot it yet, but I’m super stoked.
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u/epnk420 Aug 12 '26
Absolutely I made the mistake of grabbing a savage 110 pre accutrigger then got the wife a tikka 3x compact in 243win night and day difference I’ll never buy another savage I’ll say that much tikka or nothing for bolts imo
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u/Pure-Comparison-2151 Aug 12 '26
I hate the bad rep .308 gets for hunting. It's my main rifle and I love it. Very reliable, easy to get ammo, and fun to reload and shoot. I shoot within 300 yards. Hand loaded 168 TTSX and I feel confident shooting at anything within 300...
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u/julienjj Aug 11 '26
Beretta 1301 or a400.
So then you don't have to buy any other shotgun ever again :)
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u/msdtyu Aug 11 '26
Nova 3 is a great shotgun, as for a rifle start with a 22 (10/22 is my semi auto recommendation)
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u/Joeyjackhammer Aug 11 '26
I’d buy a 308 so you actually want to go shooting. 300 win mag can be a real bear if the rifle is too light.
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u/Global_Theme864 Aug 11 '26
Really depends on what you want to do with them. Is this for hunting, plinking, competition?
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u/Exciting-Parsnip-851 Aug 12 '26
Target practice to begin with eventually getting into hunting and maybe competition
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u/mr_iceman Aug 11 '26
If you have never shot before i suggest a .22lr bolt action. It wont be expansive to buy and feed so you can learn to shoot well. Once you learn to shoot I still would avoid a 300WM. It will cost 3-4$ everytime you pull the trigger. Maybe look into a 3006 or 308. It will do everything a 300wm can do how half the coat and will not destroy your shoulder.
As for shotgun I have a nova and it rocks. Highly recommend.
Just my .02$
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u/Exciting-Parsnip-851 Aug 11 '26
Gotcha! Ive shot before. To practice my aiming I guess 22lr would be the best option
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u/mr_iceman Aug 12 '26
yeah and depending on your budget, there are some really nice .22 bolt actions like the CZ457 and Tikka T1x. I have a T1x and love mine. Its so smooth and accurate with even CCI standard velocity. It obviously shoots better with match ammo but its just a testament to how well it shoots.
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u/Private_4160 Aug 11 '26
Cooey 22 and 410
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u/Frreed Aug 11 '26
I wish .410 didn't cost 5x as much as 12ga shells.
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u/Response-Cheap Aug 11 '26
Yeah, I had an old Harrington and Richardson break action .410 and I got rid of it. No sense in feeding the .410 when I have a 12 gauge..
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u/manny_mcmanface Aug 11 '26
Mossberg 590 retrograde and a Ruger American rimfire or 10/22. They use same mag. The American is bolt action, 10/22 is semi.
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u/Bubbafett33 Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 11 '26
Lots of good advice in the replies:
- Do not buy a 300WM. That's like buying a fox body Mustang that's been set up for drag racing as your first car. Rough, loud one-trick pony that is expensive to run.
- Buy a variant of 10/22 (if semi auto is preferred) or CZ 457 (if bolt is preferred).
- Buy once, cry once if you buy a semi-automatic shotgun. If you can't afford a Beretta or Benelli, get a pump action.
- SKS has been mentioned, but they are woefully over-priced for what you get right now.
- Before buying a firearm, scan the price of the ammo. Can you afford $7 per trigger pull?
Edit - removed link to retailer showing ammo price.
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u/Exciting-Parsnip-851 Aug 12 '26
Yes tons of good advice. Happy to be a part of this community now. Prolly gonna stick to the budget friendly Benelli nova 3 now (still got my eyes on the Beretta for next year) and maybe a 22lr just debating if I should be getting a bolt action or semi auto.
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u/Woodytastic Aug 11 '26
Mossberg 88 - 10/22 - SKS - tikka t3x in .270 / 308 / 30-06
Or some variation of this
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u/DashCameraman Aug 11 '26
Maverick 88 28" is by far the best all around hunting tool you can get for the price. Recoil ranges from slightly painful to painful though.
A .300 wm is gonna be a lot of kick and a lot of blast. The shotgun blast from a 28" barrel really isn't bad at all.
Maybe get anything from a .22lr, .22wmr, .17hmr, .223, .30-30 or .308 for a first rifle so you don't develop a flinch after getting knocked around from recoil and concussion
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u/anonyme450 Aug 11 '26
I have a Nova 3 HD and love it. Haven't been to the range yet, but the weight, ergo, overall feel, how easy it was to breakdown, clean, and reassemble... all of it makes for an incredible gun. I hear the Mossberg 500 is also a great choice!
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u/16gaugeguy16 Aug 11 '26
300 win mag is overrated. It's kind of overkill for most types of hunting in Canada. Realistically a 30-06 or 308 are more than enough gun for most.
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u/hafetysazard Aug 11 '26
It depends on the game, and the range. If you’re confident you can make a 300 yard shot, are you confident your bullet will perform at that range too? .300 Win Mag stretches the reliable expansion and bullet energy much further than .308
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u/No-Today5207 Aug 12 '26
You arent wrong, but if you arent mountain or field/clear cut hunting odds are you are hunting <150m in 90% of cases, and my MV/ft lbs/bullet performance is sufficient inside of 300y with a 308 and i feel 100% confident/ethical in that range that i dont need a magnum cartridge yet. Maybe one day for sure, but it all comes down to use case for OP. If i decide to hunt musk ox i will need more than a 308 though legally, but thats a hell of a drive.
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u/16gaugeguy16 Aug 12 '26
100% this. The vast vast majority of people who buy a 300 win mag have no need for the added performance (as well as recoil and meat damage). Ironically as well, they are probably more likely to flinch and make a bad shot.
Also, most people that shoot past 300 yards just shouldn't. Very few hunters practice with their gun enough and understand their bullets performance, it's trajectory, and the fundamentals of shooting to attempt those shots.
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u/Even-Somewhere-9554 Aug 11 '26
What are you going to legally use your guns for? Hunting? Target shooting? To be background for your feet’s pic to post in this sub?
Don’t get 300 WM unless you are hunting or/ and shooting over 1600 yrds
I suppose you might not have much exp with guns so .22lr in ruger 10/22 or CZ will be great to learn.
Nova 3 is good or just buy a semi. I got a supernova as my first gun/ shotgun. I love it but now I have a 300UP
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u/ozril Aug 11 '26
1600 yards? Brother you better not be trying to hunt anything at even close to that range.
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u/ealeeyuh Aug 11 '26
Before buying, try shooting multiple rifles/shotguns at a range if accessible to you first. It really helps to see what firearms you are most confortable with and enjoy the most.
A lot of people recommend a .22 as a first firearm, but from my experience that was a huge pain in the ass, especially with cleaning.
I recently bought a henry homsteader 9mm PCC after using it at the range. I love this rifle, one of the last remaining semi autos and it is fun, takes glock magazines, and extremely easy to clean. Definitely a great starting rifle.
I've been researching a first shotgun and the Mossberg 590 seems to be the most popular, looking to buy it next.
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u/IndividualCertain358 Aug 11 '26
i got the nova, it was a great shotgun! i love it to bits even tho i have moved on.
i would recommend a tikka t3x in 308, something with a heavy barrel,(CTR, Varment, super varment, TacA1, UPR )
they are great, its a buy once cry once situation.
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u/Response-Cheap Aug 11 '26
Get a cz457 and an armload of cartons of cci blazer. Shoot til you've got blisters on your trigger finger. Then start thinking about what your firearms will be used for. Think about your budget for guns, and ammo. Then come back here and ask more specifically about what guns people prefer for your specific needs. Like hunting small game, or deer, or long range precision shooting, or vintage military surplus, etc.
You'll have a better idea of what you want after you start shooting.
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u/Chirps_Ahoy18 Aug 12 '26
I got a ruger 10/22 takedown as a first gun and my second was a mossberg 590a1 spx.
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u/Hoth-Wampa Aug 12 '26
CZ 457 cheap, accurate, reliable. 10/22 cheap reliable. Mossberg 500 pump beast mode. Bolt 6.5 creedmoor Tikka, CZ. Don't start with 300 win mag too expensive.
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u/druidperspective Aug 12 '26
Gun
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u/Exciting-Parsnip-851 Aug 12 '26
Waiting for SC to throw the whole bill out the window, wil buy a couple for sure
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u/NoEgg9917 Aug 11 '26
Henry Golden Boy in .22lr was my first rifle and still one of my favorites to shoot.
Everyone should get a shotgun eventually but not as a first rifle.
.308 is a great cartridge for a bolt action that is not crazy pricey, although youre probably still looking at over 1$ per shot. I have a Howa 1500 in .308 that is accurate at 200 yards from a bench.
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u/nuclear_towel Aug 11 '26
I got an SKS and a Mossberg 590. In Toronto so don't use it much but love it when I do.
Looking to move to the Kootenays so that would be a plus for the hobby.
Welcome to club!
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u/Custom-111 Aug 11 '26
Contrarian here
For a .22, Winchester Wildcat is on sale at BPS for like $275 with rebates.
Get a .308. A decent option is the Winchester XPR with a Vortex Crossfire, also on sale at BPS for like $900.
Girsan MC312 is a cheap starter shotgun that works if you want a semi. Its not a benneli or anything, but everyone around me has one, and the only complaint is I find it i have to reach a bit to get a comfortable grip on it. Ive run every round under the sun, and only had one failure cuz my big fat gloves blocked the charging handle coming back, so it didnt cycle.
Pump -> Maverick 88 if youre cheap, Mossberg if youre not.
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u/NIBLZ_HAMSTR Aug 11 '26
Remington 870 police... ruger 10/22.... SKS.... all bases covered. With that, you've got the power and flexibility of a shotgun with a super well known, reliable and high quality model... you've got a small caliber for plinking.. great little .22... works well.. cheap.. tons of modifications available. And an SKS for a large caliber, semiauto rifle... also tons of mods available for that if you should want to change it. After that, id consider maybe a bolt or lever action rifle.... 6.5 creedmore.. or 308... depends on what your interests are.
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u/Conscious_Bid_8762 Aug 11 '26
Has someone that didn’t buy a 22. till the safe was almost full get a tikka 22 cry once so fun and so worth it. Your pocket book will thank you later. Otherwise a .357 lever gun so fun
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u/Dependent_Account603 Aug 11 '26
Why the 300wm? If going elk hunting in grizzly country, then yes get the 300wm. But not as your only rifle. Get a .22 and/or a 6.5cm as well for range work.
For example you could get the tikka t1 22, tikka 6.5cm and tikka 300wm. They should all have the same trigger and stock profile so great to train on.
If you want something for both elk and target, compromise and get the 308.
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u/hafetysazard Aug 11 '26
What .300 Win Mag rifle did you have in mind? A light gun is going to be a handful to deal with until you get used to it.
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u/iridemotorcyclesfast Aug 11 '26
Shotgun - Mossberg 500 Field & Security 12g. You’re covered for hunting and security.
Rifle - SKS, Ruger 10/22, or a budget 308 or 270 bolt action.
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u/Frreed Aug 11 '26
For what? What activities are you doing?
It's like asking "what vehicle is best for me?" And not saying what you need it for.
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u/f1vepointoh Aug 11 '26
Any bolt action 308 is a good starter bolty being ammo is typically cheaper sometimes you can find surplus i personally think savage offers the best value for a bolt action. Mav 88 is a good starter pump action but id opt to skip the pump action and go with a semi and either buy a mossberg 940, franchi affinity, stoeger m3000, or winchester sx4. Buy once cry once. Countless guns you waste money on to only replace them later. As for a 22s are glorified pellet guns and i dont see a use for them outside of hunting squirrels lol. I almost never use mine other than for fucking around once in a while. I have a plinkster 702 that was like 200 dollars on sale. If you intend on hunting with it and want to depend on it a 10/22 is the best semi 22 on the market. However henry lever action 22 will be the most dependable. We are very limited to what we can buy since the bans but if you can afford a 30/30 they arent to expensive to shoot ammo wise. If you want a 9mm plinker a henry home steader is a great choice and takes glock mags (10 round pistol mag loophole). Careful with these garbage ass 223 semi autos these random companies keep selling preorders for they arent worth it and are typically rushed and will most definitely get banned unless you just want a prepping rifle for our impending doom (jk). Aside from that its merely what ever interests you. I buy guns to hunt because ammo is far to expensive these days for target shooting but if thats what you want to do go for it just buy quality and save yourself money in the long run. Stay away from mossberg bolt actions, anything made by remington minus the 870, chiapa, or turkish shotguns( 90 percent of them are trash)
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u/powersmoke9494 Aug 12 '26
Buy once cry once. Shotgun id go for a Remington 870, Mossberg 590. I have a Winchester sxp camp field combo and love it. Rifle depends on what you're doing as per caliber, anything Mauser action is pretty solid if you want a bolt.
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u/No-Today5207 Aug 12 '26
OP whats your use case/intention for your firearms? We can give very specific advice if you are intending to only target shoot (indoord vs outdoors) or hunt (specific hunting info comes down to loose geographical area like hunting in the woods of Ontario vs. Prairies or mountains etc).
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u/Exciting-Parsnip-851 Aug 12 '26
Target practice and I wanna eventually get into hunting. I live in Alberta and I’m tryna get familiarized with the rules and regulations before I go on a hunt
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u/Substantial_Act_2666 Aug 11 '26
Mossberg 500 for the shotgun. Reliable and fairly inexpensive. I was tempted by the price of some budget brands but decided on a used 500. It cost around 400 off gunpost. Read some reviews stating the new ones aren’t as well built as the older ones. Not sure if this is true but for 400 bucks I bought a tank that will likely outlive me.
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u/Substantial_Act_2666 Aug 11 '26
I was looking at the nova and the supernova as well but wasn’t crazy about the synthetic stock. I prefer the aesthetic of a nice walnut stock. That being said I also picked up a Derya tm22 pro which is as tacti-cool as you can get. and a 10/22 with a wood stock and I much prefer the Derya for plinking away with 22 shells.
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u/Miserable-Quiet9660 Aug 11 '26
12ga shotgun is a must for hd. 10/22 is fun. Sks is banned by many range. Bolt action ammo will cost you a leg.
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Aug 12 '26
Sks is banned by many range.
nope, just ammo with steel in it
which is the cheap 7.62 x 39
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u/greasygreenbastard Aug 11 '26
.375H&H and a beretta silver pigeon...both great affordable firearms to grow into
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u/Exciting-Parsnip-851 Aug 11 '26
I’ve been checking out some of those Berettas pigeon and clay shooting rifles they’re sweet !!
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u/hafetysazard Aug 11 '26
Buy once cry once. If you can afford something nice, get it, even if you’re not sure why it is nice. The most important consideration with a shotgun is proper fit. An over/under is a much better gun for target shooting, and many types of hunting.
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u/Whispersfine Aug 11 '26
10/22 sks and maverick 88, Canadian trifectas