First firearm for hunting

[Woodsman]

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

How many places with deer seasons in southern Ontario with caliber restrictions allow center fire cartridges for deer seasons? Mostly shotgun & muzzleloader seasons.

[Bluebulldog]

Mossberg 500 3-in-1 combo, in 20 gauge.

Not a game animal, or bird in the province you can't hunt with it.

[Sprite]

How many places with deer seasons in southern Ontario with caliber restrictions allow center fire cartridges for deer seasons? Mostly shotgun & muzzleloader seasons.

None. Mosquito made that a little confusing.

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

[Fox]

How many places with deer seasons in southern Ontario with caliber restrictions allow center fire cartridges for deer seasons? Mostly shotgun & muzzleloader seasons.

The caliber restrictions are only for small game too.

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.

[Gun Nut]

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

[Badenoch]

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.

[longpointer]

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 !

[loliveros]

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!

[longpointer]

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.

[Bluebulldog]

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!

1. Congrats ( Glad you took my advice).

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.