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Hi all,
I just passed my CFSC and am working on my OHEP. I have never hunted before, and have very limited experience with firearms. I wanted to know what sort of firearm you would recommend to start out. I was thinking I would start by hunting quail and other smaller animals.
Any direction you could provide would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Shotgun or a rimfire, but you will be using the shotgun ALOT more.
And I recommend going with a Semi Auto shotgun. I got a pump action benelli super nova. but for wing shooting I wish I went with a semi now.
rimfires are just fun, and cost of bullet is almost nothing.
Congratulations on passing the CFSC course and welcome aboard the website and forum. You sure came to the right place. If you intend to start out on small game (as you should) I suggest you look for a good 20 ga. shotgun and/or a good .22 rimfire when your PAL comes in. There'll be a while before that happens,so,you have lots of time for careful consideration and shopping. Good luck and keep in touch.
Can't go wrong with a semi 12 gauge with interchangeable chokes. I'd even try to find something second hand till you figure out what you're into.
Take a look at what you want to hunt, a 12 gauge pump that can take 3 1/2" for geese, maybe with a changeable barrel for deer. Make sure it has changeable chokes! Pheasant, rabbit and ducks maybe an over under or side by side, I like the dual triggers like on the CZ Mallard or the Stoeger Uplander. Make sure it has changeable chokes! I would avoid the semi's right now since in the 2021 election one of the CBC questions was "should all semi's be banned" (paraphrased) and according to CBC the NDP/Libs/Green and NDP were all for it to some degree and they are in power now so who knows what will happen.
For deer, bear or moose, I would say a 308 will give you the flexibility and power in a bolt (lots of choices, Browning, Remington, Winchester...) or lever (Henry or Savage 99) but make sure you get comfortable by going to the range before season. There are reduced load shells available and a wide range of loads so try a few and see what works in your firearm and for you. There are other used rifles in a variety of ammo like 30-06, 8mm, 6.5x55, 30-30 etc. with varying degrees of ammo availability and cost and shoulder bruising :-)
If you are in Southern Ontario there is the calibre restrictions so a 270 is an alternative in that area of the province. I like the 6.5x55 and there are used 6.5x55s out there for deer that you can get for less than $500 but the ammo is a bit harder to come by and bear and moose are doable but I would say stick with the 308 for them unless you are a crack shot and confident, it has flexibility and the power needed.
A rimfire doesn't have as many uses but is good for practice and more economical than a box of 308.
A 270 and some 6.5x55 here
https://www.tradeexcanada.com/produits/95?page=7
https://frontierfirearms.ca/search.p...h_query=6.5x55
and Canadian Gunnutz and on MEWE there are many used firearms available (buyer beware of course)
Pump 12ga, cheaper than semis and lots of really good used ones out there. If you find a remington 870 or a mossberg 500 the aftermarket will have parts for you until the world ends.
You can legally hunt everything in Ontario with a 12ga shotgun and not feel over gunned. You can also get lighter loads for upland game so that you do not put too many pellets on target. A 22LR is a necessity but I rarely hunt with one now, just plink with mine.
Wow, thank you all for your advice. I was expecting just a few ideas, and you have given me a lot to work off of. Another thing to be grateful for this season is your sage advice!
I was warned about the general feeling amongst gun owners that the semi is being taken behind the shed and shot... pun intended :).
I also wanted to add a little context to me question. I will be doing this on a tight budget, so really I have funds for one firearm. It seems quite a few of you have mentioned a shotgun, so I am leaning that way. Interchangeable chokes is a new concept to me. I will look up some option for that now.
So, after reading over the comments again, I think I am looking for a 12g pump action shotgun with interchangeable chokes. Does that sound like the right starting gun for someone who intends to cover as much ground as possible on a budget?
If so, please let me know if you know of any options that fit the bill.
Thank you!
Don't bother worrying about what the government is going to do. Our gun laws get yo-yoed at least once a decade. Technically right now most 12g shotguns are banned under the 20mm bore rule, but no one is actually going to charge you for that. Get a semi if you want a semi and enjoy your life. Sounds like a 12g with interchangeable chokes is your best answer.
Turkish shotguns have a lot going for them now a days. Excellent reviews in recent years and the clones they are making are friendly on the budget. Mossberg makes a good "field and stream" combo that gives you a 28" barrel for fowl and a shorter slug barrel for deer. Don't be afraid to buy second hand.
I'd say you're on the right track. In terms of recommendations of models, have a look at the following:Quote:
Originally Posted by loliveros
Remington 870
Benelli Nova
Winchester SXP
-N.
X2. Congrats on passing your course. Welcome to the forum.Quote:
Originally Posted by Terrible_E
Congrats on passing the safety course, and welcome to hunting. When I was a youth, it was common for new hunters to start off with a single shot shotgun and a .22 rifle. As a hunter grew older and gained more skill/experience (and had more disposable income), he/she would graduate to repeating shotguns and high power rifles. For me, the acquisition of firearms has been a journey of upgrades e.g. from cheaper/ poorer quality to more expensive/better quality. Some hunters are really into firearms and have a wide assortment —> like a bag full of golf clubs, while other folks (like myself) get by with the bare minimum. To each his own.
Good luck and good hunting,
Step 1Quote:
Originally Posted by loliveros
There can be atleast a $2000 difference in pumps with interchangeable chokes, Browning, Winchester, Remington, Beretta, CZ, Stoeger, Henry, Mossberg and Benelli are good names, lots of other names out there but I wouldn't touch though. The "others" might have good names etc. but service, parts and durability may or may not be issues but nothing like a broken firearm to ruin a hunt. Youtube reviews of specific models can be good but might be sponsored, online reviews at stores and on other sites... do some research.
Start out looking on Canadian Gunnutz, there are lots of varieties, links to many stores that offer new and used shotguns. Flahertys, Bass Pro, Sail, Gotenda and many shops within an hour, look online and call before you go to save a wasted trip and so you can look at the model you are interested in, in person.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/
Step 2
Get out and practice, there are a few places you can go see if you can hit a clay bird before you try with a real bird. (or put holes in a paper target)
Step 3
The insurance, information available and benefits of different groups is a must. I would say join CCFR, CSSA and OFAH in that order and all 3 actually.
Step 4
Research where to hunt, find someone to go with or get a guide for the first few times.
Bookyourhunt and a few other options there.
Good luck and enjoy.
If on a tight budget, find yourself a 12ga mossberg pump, 2 or 3 barrel combo. That will keep you going for awhile.
First of all congratulations!
Get to a range and shoot as many different guns as you can get your hands on - this may be difficult because most gun ranges are only open to members only due to COVID. Do not get your mind set on a particular gun before you have even shouldered it or even shot one - I see this mistake more than any other.
Get the best gun you can afford. If you want a semi buy a semi.......I also watch guys buy and sell guns until they get the gun they wanted in the first place often costing them WAY more money than just buying the gun they wanted out of the gate. Buy once cry once is my motto.
Keep in mind that even new guns require tweaks to make them fit you better and a good gunsmith can make all the difference. Once you get your gun shoot it as often as you can......hunting, or weekends at a gun range. Like anything the more you shoot it the more proficient you will become.
What he said.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fox
Start off with an affordable & reliable gun and get the fundamentals down. You can always go crazy with additional guns down the line if you wish. It’s kind of like driving your first car...you don’t go right into a Ferrari.
My first gun was a Mossberg 500 12 gauge and it has been put through hell and back. Has never jammed or malfunctioned. Shoots great and doesn’t recoil as hard as my friend’s much more expensive Benelli semi-auto.
Either a 20 gauge or 12 gauge with a 24-28" smoothbore barrel. Just make sure when you shoot slugs you have an Improved cylinder choke. 3.5" steel shot for ducks/geese. 3" or 3.5" Tungsten for Turkey. 3" or, 2.75" #6 shot for rabbits, grouse, quail etc. You can literally hunt any game with a shotgun
Pump shotgun. 12 gauge, interchangeable chokes, get out and practice.
I agree...either a 12 or 20 ga barrel combo for the first few years
Hello again,
I wanted to clarify something, in terms of 12 ga, what is the best cartridge size for all around hunting? 2 3/4, 3, or 3 1/2?
If you can get a shotgun that takes up to 3" shells, it would be a good idea to get it. For most small game you'll only use 2.75" shells, but it's good to have the option to go up to 3" for turkey and waterfowl. I have a shotgun that takes up to 3.5", but I never use that size shell. I tried it for turkey a few times, but it didn't make a big difference in the pattern, and there was a big jump up in the amount of recoil.
Since it seems that you may be new to shotgunning, I should clarify that a gun chambered in 3.5" will take the other two shorter shells. A gun chambered in 3" will also take 2.75".
How many places with deer seasons in southern Ontario with caliber restrictions allow center fire cartridges for deer seasons? Mostly shotgun & muzzleloader seasons.Quote:
Originally Posted by mosquito
Mossberg 500 3-in-1 combo, in 20 gauge.
Not a game animal, or bird in the province you can't hunt with it.
None. Mosquito made that a little confusing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodsman
To straighten it out — the calibre restriction South of the “rifle line” (look at the regs to determine where that is in your area) is .275. To clarify, you can not gun hunt with a rifle South of the “rifle line” for deer no matter what calibre rifle you’re shooting. These areas are all shotgun or muzzleloader, or muzzleloader only. Some areas close to larger cities don’t even have a gun hunt.
-N
The caliber restrictions are only for small game too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodsman
So, if there was an open big game hunt then you could hunt with anything, mind you I am pretty sure there is not a single WMU that has a caliber restriction allows an open gun hunt, all shotgun and front stuffers.
You are just starting out, I suggest you don't run out and buy your future dream gun. If you plan to shoot quail, you want something relatively light weight which you can shoulder and swing quickly. I'd start with a light weight 20 gauge, possibly a single barrel break action might be a starting point, or I like Fox's idea of a pump. I'd suggest something with more open choking modified or improve cylinder. The modified will give you the reach while something with and improved cylinder will provide you with spread with a more open pattern. Unfortunately a lot of single barrel breaks usually come with full chokes, I guess when you start out they are attempting to train you as a long range shooter. I suspect you will be doing most of your shooting under 40 yards, so you don't need a 55 to 60 yard choke in the gun, what you need if a good open pattern out to 35 or 40 yards.
You don't stop hunting because you grow old. You grow old because you stop hunting.
- Gun Nut
If your primary plans are upland hunting get a gun suitable for it but with enough flexibility to hunt other game. I'd suggest a quality 12 or 20 gauge semi-automatic shotgun with choke tubes. Then find the nearest clay target range, a few flats of target loads and pattern your gun and practice.
A 20 gauge would be lighter and easier to carry although not as desirable for waterfowl as a 12. With slugs either would make a decent gun for shotgun only deer season.
Congratulations on passing the first hurdles to entering into the Wonderful World of Things that go Bang ! So many choices but only so much money will dictate how you start your journey into the hunting/shooting arena. There has been much good advice given so far but I will add my 2 cents worth anyways. A shotgun makes perfect sense as it can be used for so many types of hunting or at the range ie; Trap&Skeet/Sporting Clays. I would go with a 12 gauge because of the price and availability of so many types of ammo for so many types of game. A shotgun chambered for 2 3/4 and 3 inch is a must again due to price and availability of ammo. While 3 1/2 inch guns/shells serve a purpose they are expensive and first you must get good at shooting and that means practice.... lot's of practice and that will cost money and as you stated you are on a budget. I started off with a Remington WingMaster 870 12 gauge Modified choke 28 inch Vent Rib barrel unfortunately it was not chambered for 3 inch shells but that was almost 50 years ago. Btw , I still have and use that gun. Most guns nowadays will accept both 2 3/4 and 3 inch and have screw in Chokes and/or interchangeable barrels and as it been stated there are very good Pump Actions that are affordable. I recommend Pump Actions due to their simplicity of use, ease to clean and durability. There are many dealers with online shopping for firearms like Ellwood Epps, Shooters Choice, Trigger and Bows, Gobles, Tillsonburg Gun Shop, Gagnon's, Al Flaherty's and so many more not to mention here on this site or Gun Nutz or Stomps Long Point Page. Take your time shopping as it is very important to find that gun that fits you. The length of pull, stock to shoulder and cheek , the balance of it ... it should fit like a glove. We all come in different sizes so do guns. Some can be adjusted using shims or pads. Take your time and have fun shopping !
Thanks again for all the valuable advice. I am once again taken aback by how welcoming the community is here.
I finally purchased my first shotgun, a Mossberg 500 12ga with a smoothbore and a rifled barrel. I have yet to take it shooting but I am pleased with how it fits me thus far.
On to my next question! Now that I have my first shotgun, what do you recommend I also get out of the way? I mean both in regard to maintaining the firearms, as well as what groups to become a member of, insurance, etc.
Looking forward to all your replies!
Do you have a gun cleaning kit for a 12 gauge shotgun ? I use G96 Gun Treatment spray. Guns love oil but in the right amount ! Too much can be a bad thing. Learn how far to take your gun apart for a proper cleaning and be able to put it back together again. The Rifled barrel is it a cantilever style with a scope ? Rifled barrels are designed for shooting "sabot" style slugs for big game(deer, bear) or coyotes where accuracy and knock down power are important. Not advisable to shoot regular slugs through it as they will foul up the barrel. Use your Smoothbore barrel with a Improved Cylinder Choke if using the "Rifled Slug" type as that stuff will still kill a deer at 50 yards. I don't use Buckshot on Deer as it just cripples them but will use it on Coyotes. Join a local hunt club if you can ? There are groups like Long Point Waterfowlers Assoc. or Long Point Area Fish & Game Club or Rondeau Bay Waterfowlers Assoc. which all work with the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters plus I'm sure there are other groups out there connected to the OFAH.
1. Congrats ( Glad you took my advice).Quote:
Originally Posted by loliveros
2. Buy a generic cleaning kit, and a 12 gauge bore snake. G36 is a very good general use CLP, I'd highly recommend it.
3. Save your next toothbrush, and stick it in your cleaning kit....extremely useful for scrubbing the inside of the action, bolt face, trigger group etc.
I strongly recommend a membership with OFAH. There's insurance that comes with membership and you may purchase extra covverage if or when the need arises. As for cleaning kits,they don't need to be extra eleaborate. Even a basic kit from Canadian Tire will do an excellent job. You may want to add a good gun vice that sits on a table top for easy cleaning access. Canadian Tire is also excellent for hunting clothing,back packs and camping gear. Warm and dry are the by-words for fun and comfort in the field. You don't have to spend a fortune.Quote:
Originally Posted by loliveros
Congrats!Quote:
Originally Posted by loliveros
-A cleaning kit
A good knife - No one ever regretted a Buck 110 folder as a do all hunting knife.....
-Dont worry about camo gear at this point. Focus on versatility and warmth. Any earth tone stuff is fine
-OFAH for insurance. Covers any outdoor activity related to hunting/fishing
-G96 gun cleaner
-Comfortable sling
-Sabot slugs are very expensive, try out Challengers or Winchester Rackmasters. They are designed to shoot out of either smooth bore or rifles barrels and if they perform well in your gun will save you a lot of money
For Sabots try a few brands sometimes there can be large differences in performance.
Both my Mossbergs 535 (almost the sames as the 500 but can take 3.5 inch) and the Mossy 835 (Which is bored out like a 10 guage.) like the Federal Blue box sabots the best followed by the Winchester almost as good, Federal Premiums not bad but the Horandy they hate and are all over the map so bad that I thought something was wrong with my barrel.
A nice light weight single barrel shotgun, would be good place to start for what you intend to hunt They are simple and uncomplicated in terms of maintenance. You are more likely to develop your shooting that way, in terms of lead and follow through. You can always pick up a repeating firearm later on after you have developed your shooting skills. Its probably best to go with a 20 or 12 gauge, normally either will come with 3 inch chambering so you have the flexibility of using 2 3/4 of 3 inch ammunition. Unfortunately a lot of singles are fully coked, where you might have better success with a modified or improved cylinder choking. The add advantage of a single over a repeater is you're less likely to shoot at game that is out of range, wasting ammunition.Quote:
Originally Posted by loliveros
You don't stop hunting because you grow old. You grow old because you stop hunting.
- Gun Nut