First hunting experience

naminator58

naminator58

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Hello,

So like the title says I am looking to start hunting. Honestly this is so I can provide more food for my family, while enjoying the wilderness. I have enough cash squandered away for my PAL, WIN card and hunter safety course. I have some outdoors gear, which will be enough for the time being, but I will be getting more soon. I have two potential hunting locations. The first is crown land around Calgary. Obviously this limits my opportunities for taking wild game. I am also looking to hunt near the in laws land in Edgerton.

I have fond memories of spending time at friends hunting camps (I use the word camp loosely, it was more like 4-6 trailers parked around a fire pit on a wood cut). I have fired shotguns and rifles, from .22 up to 30-06, and .410 up to 16 gauge.

So what I am looking for is the most versatile, well priced gun I can buy. I have no problem waiting for a deal of course. I do not have a medium-large game tag, but would like to take a deer, elk or moose one day, but that won't be this year. So I am limited to small game, birds, rabbits, or whatever else is recommended for my selected hunting regions. I know my hunting options are limited for this year and that is fine. The wife only likes birds, but I will eat basically anything.

So I have done tons of research. I would like to buy a 10/22 at some point and I love the idea of surplus military rifles, specifically the Norinco M305 and SKS rifles. The Mosin is also interesting to me for the history behind it. But for all around versatility I keep thinking 12 gauge, especially the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500.



tl;dr I am looking at either an 870 or 500 for my first hunting gun. Does the community have a better suggestion? Looking at all around versatility for taking small game up to white tail/mule deer.
 
If you are thinking about a rifle to take everything from coyotes to bull elk there are dozens of cartridges that will do the job. Pick one in a common cartridge so ammo won't be too pricey. As for military rifles they do have history and a special appeal. However, for hunting I would go with a modern bolt action as it would be far more accurate. For a simple Arsenal to take care of all your hunting needs at a reasonable price I would go for the following

1) an 870 express shotgun in 12 ga with a 28" barrel.
2) a weathery vanguard in 7 08. Or even good old 308
3) a 10/22 for plinking fun and small game.

You should be able to get all of that for $1200 or less if you look for deals

Just my 2 cents
 
I always wanted a Remington 870. I am part of a remington owners group and was recommended to try and track down a police model, but have realized a wingmaster is the best model I will probably find.

I hadn't considered a 7mm. I was looking at the M305 because it uses a round balistically similar to the 308, making it decent for a variety of games, but I understand the accuracy issues. I will look at a more modern bolt action rifle.

Everybody needs a 10/22 so that is a given. I think you have just confirmed what I already knew I should do. 870, modern bolt action, plinking/small game gun.

Can the 870 take smaller game without shredding them to pieces? I know I can take birds with it, I also know shot placement is very important.
 
A shotgun won't rip game to pieces unless you hit it square on at very close quarters. Just use various shot size that corresponds with what you are hunting. 7.5 for upland squirrels etc and larger shot for waterfowl. Also with the 870 you have the option of getting replacement barrels for slugs and so on.

What you buy is limited by what you want to spend. Yes a wingmaster is smoother and has a nicer finish but my express 870's have taken beatings for a long time and still work as good as ever. The cash you save can go to ammo for practice. We have a mosin in the rack too but that is just for range days as I won't trust it to be accurate enough for game.

There really is no such thing as the best choice just good and bad choices. Hell I know a fellow that hunts everything with his 375 h and h. He just loads his ammo accordingly. He loves the gun and shoots very well with it so for him it is a good choice. For me not so much as I have a bit of a shoulder issue so recoil can be a problem.

Just buy what works for you, practice with it, and if you end up not liking it sell it and get something else. After all this is the right forum for that.

I may get labeled a fudd and get flamed a bit but if the Libs start making it difficult owning a semi like the nork you are referring to you will avoid the hassle by having a bolt action.
 
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If you are thinking about a rifle to take everything from coyotes to bull elk there are dozens of cartridges that will do the job. Pick one in a common cartridge so ammo won't be too pricey. As for military rifles they do have history and a special appeal. However, for hunting I would go with a modern bolt action as it would be far more accurate. For a simple Arsenal to take care of all your hunting needs at a reasonable price I would go for the following

1) an 870 express shotgun in 12 ga with a 28" barrel.
2) a weathery vanguard in 7 08. Or even good old 308
3) a 10/22 for plinking fun and small game.

You should be able to get all of that for $1200 or less if you look for deals

Just my 2 cents
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^I agree with that, it sets you up for everything you need. If you're having a hard time finding a decent Remington shotgun or Weatherby you could always try a Mossberg 28" and a Savage Axis. Both are also good shooters and a little easier on the pocket book. I'd stay away from the Norinco M305 and Mosin, mostly due to the questionable accuracy and weight. If it's a hunting only firearm, which is what it sounds like, I would personally go with a rifle and optics before a shotgun. It gives you a lot more options as far as game is concerned, especially if you go with an easier caliber.
 
Sounds like you are about to step into a world of good things. I am an old dog, but still enjoy hunting, guns, gun shows, collecting, reloading, to name a few aspects of the game. Providing food for your family is an honourable thing to do. Good for you!

"Hunting" covers a broad range of activities. Preparing for a hunt, actual hunting, preparing any game gathered, eating the processed game, equipping your self for hunting, and so on. None of what I've listed is likely a surprise to you. You need not feel left out if you don't have an expensive kit. You would likely have a good laugh if I described my deer hunting clothes and rifle.
Gathering experience is, or at least should be a pleasurable pastime for you. Hunting skills are acquired in more ways than one. Getting out and actually hunting is one way, for sure. Tapping into others' knowledge and success is another. There are plenty of good books out there to help with equipment and techniques.
Take time to do a bit of reading, hang out with some down to earth types of hunters and shooters.

Most of all, enjoy and be safe! Good luck.
 
So in keeping with the original post, what calibre of rifle is recommended for general small game gun. Looking at grouse, rabbits, squirrel ect. I also considered shotgun first because of the risk of bears. I know a 12 could take those.

So is 10/22 recommended in this case?

kjohn I have been reading books, magazines and of course forums, but there is so much information to take in and process. I have come to the stage of just doing it. I have some foul weather gear, some survival gear (jut for emergencies) I know some basic and more advanced bush craft, I have an extremely powerful radio ect. I need to get a new knife to supplement my folding knife collection, a better system for carrying water ect. Small things.

The biggest cost at this point is the licenses, gun and glass. I have used a couple of "budget" optics that I really enjoyed, specifically the Pursuit X1. I really want versatility.
 
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For grouse , rabbits, squirrels go with a shotgun as you may be shooting at moving targets. For me the perfect gun for that combo of game is a nice light weight 20 gauge . Mossberg has an aluminum receiver and the 870 is steel so the mossy is lighter but really doesn't make a big difference.

If you want one gun that would be used for what you have listed but may also be used for ducks and geese get a 12 ga. Using a 12 will not rip apart rabbits or grouse
 
With a 12g shotgun, shell and choke selection will play a major role in its impact on small game. Light loads of small shot through an open choke will limit the effect, but also of course limit the range you can effectively shoot. They are extremely versatile. Whatever you get, make sure it has interchangeable chokes. The 870 Wingmaster is a classic workhorse shotgun, and ultra reliable.

The 10/22 is as good a choice as any for a first .22. Dont expect tack driving accuracy, but it should be suitable enough for small game out to 50 meters. Its also endlessly customizable to suit your tastes and upgrade its accuracy and reliability.

For a first big game rifle I would stay away from milsurps. Also keep in mind the M305 isnt a milsurp; its a new production chinese knockoff of a battle rifle. I'd be looking towards something like the Savage Axis or Ruger American; entry level guns with generally good accuracy. The ease of scoping and the weight savings over the milsurps are pluses for a hunter. I'd be looking to old standard cartirdges like the 308WIN or 3006Springfield.
 
+1 for the 870

You can take any small game with it and with slugs you"ll be good out to 100 yards or so. After this season when you go out for big game (deer and up) i'd get a 308/7mm/3006 and that'll carry you through any hunting scenario. I'm partial to the ol ought six bu ymmv. Bolt/lever/semi/pump don't really matter. Pick your flavour.
 
Yeah I ended up with an 12g mod 870 wingmaster, 10/22 ruger and sako a7 30'06. Perfect for all your protein needs.
 
As mentioned, you are 'looking for the most versatile, well priced gun'. The Remington 870 will fit your needs to start, can swap out barrels (smooth bore or rifled), lots of accessories, parts and models available. Once you get some bush time in, hunt down a good rifle, I prefer 308, cheers..
 
I thought once you got a rifle for medium large game, a plinking rifle and a shotgun everybody stops buying guns?

I think the 870 will be my first gun purchase. Then on to the 10/22 and finally some sort of larger calibre rifle, be it 3006, 308, 300 mag, or 7mm.
 
For the one gun cover all bases to start with you can't go wrong with the 870 Wingmaster in 12 ga. You can shoot everything from doves to Moose with a 12ga if you study and practice its limitations. There isn't a big game animal in North America a 12ga slug can't flatten. If I could only own one gun it would be a 12ga shotgun.
 
Shotgun: A Mossberg 500 will do as well as a Remington 870, both can be had at reasonable prices new in a package with a general purpose shot barrel and a slug barrel. The 870 will be set up for interchangeable chokes and the slug barrel will probably be twenty inches long. The 500 will probably come with the chokes as well, and their slug barrels are normally twenty-four inches. If you don't get a package with both barrels, Mossberg makes accessory barrels for the 870 that are cheaper than Remington's. You already have preference for the Remington brand but I suggest you look at the Mossbergs on line so you know before you buy the 870 if there is something you like better on the Mossberg. (There are always compromises, you suffer less buyer's remorse if you know about it before you choose.)

Not everyone needs a 10/22. A Marlin 795 is cheaper to buy new and doesn't come with Gadget Acquisition Syndrome. (So many people say the 10/22 is the best rimfire semi-auto it is hard to understand why they then want to make so many slight improvements like a new stock, barrel, trigger group and receiver. And then accessory magazines.

For a big game rifle there are lots of good choices. Weatherby Vanguard, Ruger American, Savage 11 or 111 (short and long action, same gun), Tikka T3, Remington 700TLA * and perhaps the 783 (not the 710 or 770), Marlin XL7 or XS7 (short and long action, same gun), Stevens 200. The Stevens is no longer in production, you'll be lucky to find one new, but Savage has replaced it in their product line with the Axis which is very like it in being better than it should be for the price. If you want the classic blued and wood without spending for new, there are lots of used hunting rifles that aren't worn out. Try site sponsor T.E.C. Trade Ex Canada, they have a reputation for not exaggerating the condition of their goods. Parker Hale and BSA made good hunting rifles that tend to go cheap in the used market because they have been out of production for so long most hunters have either forgotten those names or never knew them.



*There are too many variants of the 700 to list all the Three Letter Abbreviations here.
 
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Tooner only reason I lean towards the 10/22 is because I have used them before and I (up until today) owned a 1:1 replica airsoft gun 10/22 which I sold to buy licensing and a shotgun. I know the 10/22 has a massive after market and following.

Other than the 795, what other .22 rifles are recommended.

As for the whole Mossberg vs Remington debate, I have always wanted a 870 Wingmaster... Almost an animal lusting for one. I know the 500 is similar and a very good shotgun, so it will honestly come down to which one I like more at the store and what deal I can find on a used one.
 
naminator58 said:
I thought once you got a rifle for medium large game, a plinking rifle and a shotgun everybody stops buying guns?

I think the 870 will be my first gun purchase. Then on to the 10/22 and finally some sort of larger calibre rifle, be it 3006, 308, 300 mag, or 7mm.
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Laugh2



Then you have to have the right shotgun for grouse, like a nice little SXS 28 ga then the right one for geese like an Ithaca Mag 10 and then a special one for pheasant like a sweet SXS or O/U 20 ga..................

Rifles go along the same lines one for varmints (small) like a 17 or 204, one for larger varmints like 243 or 6mm Rem or something in 25 cal. Then deer rifle like 25-06, 257 Wby, 264 WM, 6.5X55 etc, then Elk and cariboo and sheep and goats kinda rifle like 7mm Wby, 7mm RM, 7mm RUM, any and all the 300 Magnums, then of course one must have a medium bore, anything from 338 WM to a 416 Rigby should fill those 2 or 3 voids in the necessary collection and from here we move up to a heavy rifle for those times when nothing else will do.........so now you need a 458 WM, a 458 Lott, 470 NE, 500 NE, 460 Wby.................
 
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