Hello from London, Ontario

A

avz

New member
Location
London, ON
Hey everyone, I'm Anthony.

Just did my exam a couple weeks ago and waiting for my PAL to come in the mail. So I'm pretty new to guns.

Shot for my first time today. I went to a range with my friend and shot clay pigeons. I used an Ithaca 37 and hit 16/50. Which I guess isn't too bad considering it today was my first time ever firing a gun.

Anyways, I'm hoping to get a good all-around gun. My budget is 1000 and I'm willing to go slightly over, but obviously less is better. I didn't have much trouble getting two shots off with a pump, so maybe I can save some money. Although, that being said, I have yet to fire semi-auto. Anyone have any pointers on a good gun to get that I can use for ducks/turkey an maybe even pop a slug in for deer?

Also, are there any rangers closer to London? The one I went to today was outside Thamseville, Ontario. I'm hoping to find a place I can shoot closer, maybe even get a chance to try out some different guns before I buy one.

Thanks,

Anthony
 
Hi Anthony. Check out Crumlin Sportsmans Association. It's right in the city at Gore and Veterans Memorial. EESA is a great choice but is a little farther away.

When I was in your boat a couple of years ago I went with a Winchester SX2. I've used it for trap, skeet, and deer hunting so far and plan to get into other forms of hunting. I've been happy with my choice.

Semi-auto gives lots of versatility if you don't know what you want to do and aren't at the point of buying guns for specific uses. It gives you the fast 2nd shot (although I know people who can work a pump just a quickly). The thing to remember is that if you get a semi, you can't cheap out. If you went pump you could get an Rem 870 or a Mossy 500 for 300-400 and be fine. If you spent that on a semi you'd only get junk (in my opinion)

I've been completely happy with the reliability of my SX2 in all weather (had it out in the middle of winter and summer) and have put thousands of rounds through it. While I can't say that it has functioned flawlessly every time, I've only had problems with it failing to eject and that only 2 or 3 times when using cheap ammo. I have two gas chokes with mine (not sure if that is standard). 1 for heavy loads and one for light. The SX3 (next gen) sells for about 1000-1200 new.

Lots of guys with more knowledge here but that's been my experience.

Good luck
 
"...there can be only one..." Hi. ESSA is less expensive to join than Crumlin. Has a 300 yard rifle and indoor handgun range too. Stormbringer should be along before too long. Likely invite you to go see the place.
"...a good all-around gun..." Shotgun, of course. No rifles for turkey. Partial to Remington 870's myself. A semi-auto will have less felt recoil. A bit more expensive.
Pop into Goble's and look at a few. A grand is more than enough for a brand new shotgun. Think in terms of a barrel with RemChokes, plus a slug barrel(either fully rifled or smooth bore with rifle sights).
Don't discount a used shotgun though. It takes a great deal of abuse to damage a modern shotgun.
 
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