best gun for cottage protection/hunting for a newb

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Sylvie

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I recently got my PAL mainly because I got a cottage on a private property and we get lots of bears breaking in so I thought what better protection than a gun. I also know that I'm gonna start hunting next year too so I'm looking for one that would be good for both. Only problem is, I don't even know where to start looking as to what type of rifle would be best since I literally know as much as they taught me during my PAL/hunting course. All I have figured out is I'd like a bolt action. Anyone have an idea as to which guns I should look into/would be best for me?

Sylvie
 
Not a rifle, but I think most would agree that the most versatil gun is a 12 gauge, with anything but a full choke. That way you can shoot slugs for your possible bear defense (or "ahem" home invasion), and you can put any size shot through it for your various hunting needs.
 
12 guage with 00buck or slugs, better than a rifle as the slugs or shot do not carry long distances which could endanger other campers.
 
My first choice would be a phase plasma rifle in the 40 watt range, or if that's not available I'd agree with everyone thus far and suggest a 12 gauge pump gun...
 
Yup. 12 gauge pump.

Mossberg 500
Mossberg 590a1
Winchester 1300 defender
Remington 870

All are great shotguns.
The Mossberg 500 or Winchester 1300 can be had fairly cheap too - and are compete quite well vs the 870.

Those are my biased picks. They come in MANY variations. If you are going to hunt - I suggest getting a full stock shotgun too - not the pistol gripped ones with no stock.

AMMO for bears: SLUGS. Some say buck is adequate - and it *may* work - but a slug WILL work :)
 
Cottage with bear get a pump action 12G. Go for one of the Big Three, Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 or Winchester 1300. If you walk up to any gun counter you can get one of these in a 18" barrel without having to know a lot you'll be ready for Yogi and BooBoo.
A Bolt Action Rifle will work very well if the Bear makes an Appointment and you are waiting for him just inside the screen door. Unless you plan on actually going out and depopulating your area baiting and waiting, then yes have fun from your tree stand.
Also If you have the space for bear you should look at a .22. Raccoon, Porcupine, Skunk, SEMI or maybe a Lever action. Ruger 10/22 or a Henry.
But for Bear, 12g pump inexpensive and will do the other stuff in the neighbourhood in a pinch. But a .22 against a momma bear or a twitchy Bolt action.... you just surrendered your spot on the food chain.
 
gun for protection

check out the mossberg they did have a deal on them where you got a 28 inch barrle for birds and a slug barrel as well for around $400.00 I thought .
 
Pump shottie goes anywhere from $200-$350 on the EE. You can buy a brand new Rem. 870 Express 18.5" for about $400.00.

I'd suggest the managed recoil buckshot especially if you're not used to the kick from a 12.

As stated above, Mossberg, Remington or Winchester are your best bets, but don't count out Ithaca or CIL.
 
Army Issue said:
A Bolt Action Rifle will work very well if the Bear makes an Appointment and you are waiting for him just inside the screen door. Unless you plan on actually going out and depopulating your area baiting and waiting, then yes have fun from your tree stand.
Also If you have the space for bear you should look at a .22. Raccoon, Porcupine, Skunk, SEMI or maybe a Lever action. Ruger 10/22 or a Henry.
But for Bear, 12g pump inexpensive and will do the other stuff in the neighbourhood in a pinch. But a .22 against a momma bear or a twitchy Bolt action.... you just surrendered your spot on the food chain.
Click to expand...

Basically its cause the last few years we've had bears come literally to the door, about 5 to 10 feet away from where i'd be shooting.

I'm also in Northern Ontario... we don't deal with raccoons or porcupines. We have mainly bears that come on the property with the occasional moose or beaver. The cottage on a private property with the closest neighbour being nearly 3-4km away and on the other side we have a hunters cabin about 10km away (mind you the cottage is surrounded by hills, us being at the bottom).

I won't lie, the SEMI & pump action they had for our course scared me ####less, (i'd literally jump each time i'd check the chambers & path to PROVE it) and weighed a tone. I don't have the strongest wrists so I'd have the hardest time keeping the gun steady if its too heavy.

I was also put under the impression that shotguns are pretty big in the recoil department... is there one that wouldnt be as bad as the 12g and still be efficient? I dont want to have to worry about falling on my arse while I'm shooting
 
Hmmm... Hadn't factored in that you were female. Although I haven't shot one for comparison, my understanding is that a 20 gauge should have a little less kick, and you'd still be able to fire slugs, buckshot and shot.
 
Model 870 Express Compact Camo around 350 new.

870-exp-cmpct-camo-prod.ashx
 
I have a remote cabin with lots of bears and other predators.I keep a Winchester model 94 in 30-30 around,Loaded with 175 gr hardcast bullets.
It is small easy to pack and has been killing Bears for over a hundred years.
 
If he wants to also use this gun for hunting than why a 12g?

He is in Northern Ontario so I assume rifle hunting is legal, why would you want to use a 12 guage for that?

Another thing is that the only bears he will be seeing are black bears so It's not like hes gonna be facing down a Grizz!

I vote for a Marlin lever in 45/70 or even 30-30! Can easily deal with a black bear, especially if your loading your own or using that Lever-evolution ammo, and can then be easily scoped and will be good out to 200m for deer/moose hunting.

If it was strictly for defence I might think 12 guage but if hunting is a concern the Lever will be a way better bet.

I am in a WMU where we can only hunt with shotguns and I would much rather have my Marlin for the job. Thank god the GF's cottage is up North for that!
 
Bears are 'breaking in' to cottages because most likely they are easily finding or smelling food or garbage. Make sure that there is NOTHING outside to attract bears, first of all.

Also, because you do have a gun you don't have to be fearful about seeing a bear around the cottage. Fire a warning shot or two towards the bear, giving it the signal that this isn't a friendly place.

But keep an eye on kids and pets. If they are present, take no chances. Bears are cute until they kill somebody
 
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