First time hunter shotgun fixed choke/ammo question

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g3arhead

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Richmond Hill Ontario
Hi guys,

I'll be doing the hunting/firearms course for my licenses in a few weeks and am considering what shotgun I'd like to get as my first. I'm mainly interested in hunting doves, pigeons, pheasants and possibly turkeys, so my initial thoughts on what to get were either a pump action or double barreled shotgun. From what I see on the used market, many of the older shotguns have fixed chokes. I'm wondering, how much of a difference this will make in my hunting. Also, I'm under the impression that I am required to use non-toxic/steel shot on these birds (except turkey), so can these old shotguns handle that? Please advise. Thanks.
 
Doves ducks and geese need non toxic in Ontario and the rest of the country ad its federal dealing with migratory birds except woodcock
Turkeys a fuller choke is recommended which isn't recommended for steel shot. However there are other non toxic loads available but they cost considerably more money
Something with choke tubes would suit you best. They can be installed on most older guns if there's enough metal at the muzzles
 
What kind of budget are we working with? Most new slide-action shotguns are equipped with screw-in chokes, and at least a 3" chamber making them more suited to what you trying to do.
 
Just buy yourself something with screw chokes. That way you have complete versatility for types of shot you can run and for variuos ranges for different hunting situations. Whether its a pump or double barrel will just come down to personal preferrnce and whether you're going to be satisfied with a 2 shot gun or would prefer the third shot if needed or available.
 
I'd like to keep the gun purchase to under $1000; ideally if I can get one for $500,that would be great! Of course, checking out sites like cabela's and online retailers, I see that the price of double barreled guns is prohibitive, unless I buy something like a Stoeger condor or Mossberg silver reserve.

While I would like a double because it offers versatility of 2 chokes, it offers a old timey, classy nostalgia feeling to my shooting, which I like. I wonder if those guns I mentioned are any good in terms of reliability.

Reliability is a big thing for me(I come from an automotive service background). If I can't find a double which is able to fire steel shot or has interchangeable chokes for that price, I'd much rather look at a reliable pump action. Am I better off looking for a pump action, or can I find a reasonably priced double with interchangeable chokes?
 
With a little research you will find many good quality pump, semi and SXS shotguns for great prices imported from Turkey. They all shoot 3" and have multiple chokes. At your price point $1000 ceiling you could buy any two and have money left over for ammo. Good luck and happy shopping.
 
the spank said:
Just buy yourself something with screw chokes. That way you have complete versatility for types of shot you can run and for variuos ranges for different hunting situations. Whether its a pump or double barrel will just come down to personal preferrnce and whether you're going to be satisfied with a 2 shot gun or would prefer the third shot if needed or available.
Click to expand...

^^^ +1
 
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