best gun for cottage protection/hunting for a newb

One gun to do everything = shotgun. Will get you anything from bear to grouse and bunnies if you are inclined to hunt for tasty critters.

Small woman = 20 gauge. Preferably in an auto loader. Gas operated semi-auto shotguns are much softer on the shoulder than pumps but they do cost more and are a little more work to maintain.

There are a lot of women and young kids at my club that show up with 20 gauge auto loaders to shoot trap and skeet. There aren't too many times at your cottage when you'll be pulling the trigger 100 times in one evening!

Speaking of trap and skeet, its a great way to practice shooting, which as stated is as important as which firearm you choose. Imagine the adrenaline pumping as a bear is coming thru your door. Pick up gun, load, shoot - its possibly do or die, no different than the military - you train for the fight until its instinctual.

If you don't need it for anything but the bears, I'd say .303 rifle if on a budget.
 
Posted by camster
Please ignore and, forgive my "beam weapon" opinion. (Once I learn the difference between being funny and, thinking I'm funny, I'll get on a stage!
FMB's reply is what this community [CGN] is truly about...people asking questions and, getting good replys (other than beam weaponry).
FMB Your relpy and, subsequent offer is a fine example of an avid shooter getting others on board in a nice, practical manner!

Cam,

If good advice keeps us on track, humour is what makes the world go 'round and we can all use a good laugh. Sylivie is getting some good advice here and I hope even more of us heed what is said.
Let me know when you make it on stage, I'll be there, buy your beer and no heckling.

Cheers, Will
 
How about something like a used milisurp like a lee enfield in .303 brit? Would have plenty of power for taking down bears and the bolt action in an enfield is known for its simplicity, reliability and ease of operation and overall the rifle is a nice comfortable weight. You can score them used in the EE for 100-150 bucks for a sporterized example. I would just recommend picking up an aftermarket recoil butt pad like a limbsaver pad because originally those enfields came with a brass butt plate and a brass pad hammering into your shoulder makes the recoil feel a lot worse than it does with a good recoil pad.
 
camster said:
Please ignore and, forgive my "beam weapon" opinion. (Once I learn the difference between being funny and, thinking I'm funny, I'll get on a stage!

FMB's reply is what this community [CGN] is truly about...people asking questions and, getting good replys (other than beam weaponry).


FMB Your relpy and, subsequent offer is a fine example of an avid shooter getting others on board in a nice, practical manner!
Click to expand...

That's what I was told about CGN and it's the reason I joined in the first place. Being a newb, I need the expertice help (sorta why I'm keeping a list of the guns mentioned on here for when I finally take the trip to a gun shop to see them first hand before making the decision).

The offer is appreciated and I wish I was closer to take him up on his offer but being 5 hours away, it's not that easy.

Sylvie
 
camster said:
FMB's offer is generous and, advice is good.

I have a hard time imagining someone in Northern Ontario not having access to a friend with guns who's willing to take 'em for a test ride(fire)....Mom's from Kirkland Lake and, even the PETA members there outshoot/hunt me!
Click to expand...

I'm from the Timmins area but most of my friends only have a gun or two and those with many have different schedules than me so it makes it hard to get together to shoot. I'm also in school in Sudbury and those I know here don't have guns or have kept them at home. This does make it harder for me to find someone.
 
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