For the equipment exchange, go to 'User CP' in the tool bar above this thread, then scroll down your left hand menu and the second to last option is 'Group Memberships' I believe. Select that, and it's all downhill from there.
Not sure if this board requires a minimum post count to join the EE or not... I don't think so, and if it does, it will be low.
As for the 870, what I meant by the two barrels was one would be like a 28" vent rib barrel with choke tubes for upland shooting, and the other would be a shorter barrel with rifle sights (potentially rifled) for deer hunting, but both would be in 12 guage.
The 870 is a fanastic shotgun, and it will last you a lifetime. There's also the Mossberg 500, it too is a very sturdy gun and both can be had brand new in upland configurations for around $300, even less for the Mossberg at some retailers. Either 12 or 20 gauge, you won't go wrong. Shells cost the same for both roughly, the 12 gauge recoils more, but is more versatile. For a new shooter, it's a tough call, the 20 is likely the better choice but just want to field your options for you. 20 guage is still legal for deer in BC, the smallest guage that is though, so you'd still be set for shotgun deer hunts.
As for the wingmaster and express, both are the same shotgun, just different levels of trim and fit and finish. Both will be equally reliable, and both are extremely good guns. The wingmaster is simply the classic, with rich bluing and mid range wood, while the express features plastic stocks and a dark rough finish. One's a classic hunter, the other's a work gun, just by virtue of how they're dressed. Honestly, if I was you, I'd opt for the Express, and they're selling in the equipment exchange for around $300 vs $500-750 for a wingmaster (that's all in 12 guage of course, 20's are much rarer and a bit pricier, and I'm not even sure they offer the express in 20). You can easily find the spare deer barrel for either (in 12 guage, 20 would be tougher and you'd likely have to order it in), as they use the same barrels and are the same gun.
As for the .22, honestly I'd just go with open sights (commonly referred to as iron sights). Put the scope on your hunting rifle and leave it there in my opinion, just practice plenty with the hunting rifle once you "graduate" up from the .22. There's only a few minor considerations when first learning to use a scope, none large enough I would worry about trying it for the first time on a 7mm-08. A lot of cheap .22's are impractical to scope anyhow and are designed for iron sights only, as this serves a rimfire's purpose ideally typically. Iron sights are quicker, more compact, offer a much wider field of view, and are much more durable. The trade off is they are range limited typically, less precise than a scope. .22's are short range rifles that get banged around, so iron sights are ideal.
When it comes to your scope, spend a little money, it will save you a LOT of grief. You are WAY ahead of the game buying a used Leupold for the same price as a brand new Bushnell. Leupolds are American made, very very high quality scopes. Their basic line will suit your needs just fine of the Rifleman, VX-1, or fixed power scopes. I'd recommend you spend up to $400 on your scope, some of those listed can be had for less, but don't cheap out on this item, and for a newbie I'll just simply state you honestly can't go wrong with a Leupold.
As for the rifle, take a good look at the Stevens 200, it's made by Savage as a no frills version of their pricier models. It's a no nonsense hunting rifle that is very accurate and of high quality, and retails for a very low price, typically $320-350. It's also easily had in 7mm-08. There's also the Remington Model 700 SPS, their value priced no frills hunting version of the Model 700 (same situation as the express 870, cheaper stock [though more durable], and rougher matte black finish), it retails between $500 and $600, also easily had in 7mm-08. I'm not trying to list you dirt cheap options all the way along, but rather just good hunting guns. You may wish something prettier and your budget likely allows for far fancier guns, and there's nothing wrong with that. Typically though, hunting rifles get used hard, rain on, dropped, and it's nice to have a "workhorse" you don't mind bumping around.
