Greetings from Ajax Ontario - help on selecting first long gun

J

Jam67

New member
Hello, I was referred to your site by the sports shop in Oshawa and have been browsing some of the FAQs which have been helpful.

My situation is that I am all "educated" and have my PAL for restricted and unrestricted as well as my hunting license and now face the task of selecting my first firearm as I pick up this hobby now that my wife and teenage daughters have picked their's.

My thinking is that I would like to get started with a shotgun and improve my skill on skeet and trap. I would then like to buy a rifle for target shooting. Then once am more comfortable with shooting and if I can find a good hunting group I would like to give hunting a try, maybe with small game at first. Lastly, I may get into target shooting with a handgun.

So with that evolution, I find myself intimidated at the gun shops because of the huge selection of all kinds of shotguns which is what I want to start with.

How do I get started in narrowing down the choices for a good, reliable pump action and a nice over under? I know some manufacturer names but would really love to find some kind of Consumer Report like resource to compare models, manufacturers, price points. Is there anything like this out there? if not, then what manufacturer's would be recommended for this first 2 kinds of shotguns (pump action and over under).

Thanks so much for your time and response.
 
Do not buy anything. (Yet.)

To "...get started with a shotgun and improve my skill on skeet and trap..." go to a skeet and trap club. Seek help and advice. The time will be well spent.

For a first rifle, consider a common model (that appeals to you) chambered in .22LR.
 
my 2 cents!

Having been shooting/instructing for a number of years I'd recommend starting slow; maybe start with a 22 to develop your technique. Lot of fine motor skills going on and that coupled with understanding the marksmanship principals will pay off immensely. Sometime if you go too big too start you can develop bad habits (flinching, snatching etc) which can take a lot of time to work out. All depending where you're at. Like I said just my 2cents; I agree with the earlier comment don't buy anything yet try some toys (form friends, clubs), although you can't go wrong with a 22, and maybe try to find someone to mentor you. Why a 22? it's cheap and can easily show you your sources of errors in shooting. Trying to avoid the tooting horn message, <<but can take some pride>>, however my daughter can hit a 8x8" plate, consistantly, standing at 200M with a 22. But then she found something more interesting...boys! :)

Cheers

Sam
 
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