r/canadaguns • u/Western_Wish4280 • 16d ago
Buy recommendations Best 1st shotgun recommendation
Hi folks, its time to finally get my hands on my first shotgun.
I have been doing some research and with my knowledge on shotguns being soo little, i must admit i cant really decide on anything ive seen so far.
I mainly want one for "owning one" and maybe waterfowl hunting. Ive pretty much steered clear from shotgun after firing a 12ga slug on one of my coworker's shotty and was left traumatized xD.
Fairly new to shooting, been about 4 months with a PAL. Already got a ruger10/22, tikkat3x in 308win, and the type 56 sks. Must add a shotgun.
TLDR: looking for advice regarding a shotgun purchase. Brand,chambering and action type recommendations for a new shooter.
Thanks all!
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u/LeviathanOfLiberty 16d ago
Mossberg 500 with multiple barrels as an all-purpose, fairly indestructible pump-action.
Beretta 1301, Benelli M2, Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol if you want a defensive semi-auto (fairly forgiving on recoil). TNA VR-66 if you want this for cheap (personal experience with mine has been 3000+ shells no failures).
Mossberg 940s are pretty nice for a hunting/skeet/trap oriented semi-auto.
IMO there’s not too many applications where 3 1/2” shells are really applicable, even for most turkey and waterfowl applications (of course some situations might call for it). As long as it has a 3” chamber you’re good.
Semi-autos are generally better for recoil, with gas-operated ones typically generating lighter perceived recoil compared to inertia, but there’s really not a massive difference between the two. Over time pump-actions will get better, especially if you make sure you have a decent buttpad (cheaper pump-actions like Blue Line Chinese ones have dogshit ones that really bruise new shooters).
12 gauge rules :)