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11-14-2013, 05:33 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Calgary
Posts: 200
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New Gun
Hey guys,
Have been getting more and more interested in hunting lately and would eventually like to get a license and go hunting but for now I am looking just to go and shoot things that I don't need a license (Coyotes, Rabbits and stuff) but I am 14 and have never owned a gun before, so I was just wondering what a good started gun would be. Once I get a license I would also like to do some game bird (When I start doing geese I will look into shotguns) but I was looking for a good all round rifle that I could maybe do Grouse or Pheasant with. Thanks!
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11-14-2013, 05:54 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Stony Plain
Posts: 496
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If you want a rifle for small game to hunt without a lisence then I suggest a 204, 223, or a 22-250...small game such as coyote, rabbit, fox, porcupine, badger, gophers, etc. but for game bird and big game you will need to pass your hunter test to buy lisences to hunt, you will also need a WIN card and since you're only 14 you have to hunt with an eligible hunter over 18 until you turn 16...
__________________
Whatever doesn't kill me...had better start running
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11-14-2013, 06:09 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Calgary
Posts: 200
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rennich98
If you want a rifle for small game to hunt without a lisence then I suggest a 204, 223, or a 22-250...small game such as coyote, rabbit, fox, porcupine, badger, gophers, etc. but for game bird and big game you will need to pass your hunter test to buy lisences to hunt, you will also need a WIN card and since you're only 14 you have to hunt with an eligible hunter over 18 until you turn 16...
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Thanks! I have a WIN number and I'm just waiting for a card! What is a good manufacturer?
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11-14-2013, 06:11 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Calgary
Posts: 3,810
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Savage makes great guns
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11-14-2013, 06:32 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,157
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You cannot shoot game birds with a rifle. Says in the regs you cannot shoot game birds with a firearm shooting a single projectile. As far a a rifle goes, can,t go wrong with a Savage Axis in 243
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11-14-2013, 06:36 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Camrose
Posts: 45,097
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Quote:
You cannot shoot game birds with a rifle. Says in the regs you cannot shoot game birds with a firearm shooting a single projectile.
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You might want to read the regs again.
From the Wildlife Act.
Quote:
Items prohibited for hunting game birds
1A shotgun that is capable of holding more than 3 shells in the
magazine and chamber combined.
2Any trap that could be used to hunt game birds.
3Any bait consisting of a food attractant, including a mineral and
any representation of a food attractant.
Items prohibited for hunting
migratory game birds
1A rifle.
2A shotgun loaded with shotgun slugs.
3Any other firearm using ball cartridges.
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__________________
Only accurate guns are interesting.
Last edited by elkhunter11; 11-14-2013 at 06:45 PM.
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11-14-2013, 06:41 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,368
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You can't go wrong with a Sako or Beneli.
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11-14-2013, 06:53 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Rocky Mt. House
Posts: 1,829
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How much do you have to spend that can make a big difference on what is suggested for you
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11-14-2013, 07:02 PM
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Banned
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: High River, AB
Posts: 10,788
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Get your. 22 and shoot paper targets until you get proficient. Then get back to us.
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11-15-2013, 07:55 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Calgary
Posts: 200
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gitrdun
Get your. 22 and shoot paper targets until you get proficient. Then get back to us.
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I was wondering what gun I should get to shoot targets and small game later on. And I'm not sure I was hoping to maybe ask for one for Christmas so not too too much but reasonable. Thanks!
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11-15-2013, 08:05 AM
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Dreadful Valley
Posts: 14,608
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How are you going to acquire your firearm(s)?
You can only get a Minors PAL, which would allow you to possess and or borrow, but not purchase firearms.
Who is your mentor?
Who takes you out hunting now, as you are under 18, therefore you must be accompanied by someone over 18?
I know question abound, but there are some gaps that need filling in here.
__________________
There are no absolutes
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11-15-2013, 08:44 AM
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Uh, guess? :)
Posts: 26,739
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gitrdun
Get your. 22 and shoot paper targets until you get proficient. Then get back to us.
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Yup X2. .22 is a good started for a young guy like the OP. Start with paper and gophers. Did I hear someone recommend a Sako??? LOL
Recommendation? The ever-popular Ruger 10/22 is a good, fun, first choice.
And even if you want to start with game that doesn't require a license, I would still advise taking your hunting course. What you are proposing to do is still "hunting" in the general sense of the word, and how do you know if you are legal or whether the law applies to your specific activity if you don't know what the laws are?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DevilsAdvocate
In this case Oki has cut to to the exact heart of the matter!
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11-15-2013, 09:35 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Communist state
Posts: 13,245
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Okotokian
Yup X2. .22 is a good started for a young guy like the OP. Start with paper and gophers. Did I hear someone recommend a Sako??? LOL
Recommendation? The ever-popular Ruger 10/22 is a good, fun, first choice.
And even if you want to start with game that doesn't require a license, I would still advise taking your hunting course. What you are proposing to do is still "hunting" in the general sense of the word, and how do you know if you are legal or whether the law applies to your specific activity if you don't know what the laws are?
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I agree the ruger 10/22 is a great gun, however I don't think a semi auto is a good starter rifle. I'm not up to date on any new .22 bolt action rifles, but the one I started out with was a cooey repeater. From a safety stand point I would recomend bolt action either single shot or repeater as a first rifle, and a .22 as a starter caliber. As Dick pointed out, a PAL is going to be required in order to get the ball rolling.
Good luck and be safe!
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11-15-2013, 07:09 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 23
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yep start off with a bolt 22 and once you get good with it move up
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11-15-2013, 07:19 PM
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Banned
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 5,296
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyTrapper
I was wondering what gun I should get to shoot targets and small game later on. And I'm not sure I was hoping to maybe ask for one for Christmas so not too too much but reasonable. Thanks!
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cz 455
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11-15-2013, 07:27 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Camrose
Posts: 45,097
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Quote:
I agree the ruger 10/22 is a great gun, however I don't think a semi auto is a good starter rifle.
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+1
__________________
Only accurate guns are interesting.
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11-15-2013, 08:14 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Thorsby
Posts: 598
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It's hard to go wrong with a good used bolt action .22. As a parent of teens myself I'd say you'll need to get them on board with this plan, then talk new vs. used, Brands, etc.
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11-15-2013, 10:28 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Calgary
Posts: 200
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Thanks guys, it would be more a gun that I would mostly use and I was planning on taking a course anyway. I would have my dad purchase it for me. At the moment I do not hunt but I am interested. Mostly in game bird such a Pheasant. But this requires a shotgun which I will do later. Thanks for all the advice!
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11-15-2013, 10:42 PM
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Banned
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 5,296
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyTrapper
Thanks guys, it would be more a gun that I would mostly use and I was planning on taking a course anyway. I would have my dad purchase it for me. At the moment I do not hunt but I am interested. Mostly in game bird such a Pheasant. But this requires a shotgun which I will do later. Thanks for all the advice!
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11-15-2013, 11:05 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Calgary
Posts: 19,418
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I'll agree that a bolt .22 is a better starter gun than a semi-auto. A semi-auto doesn't promote shooting discipline as well as a single shot or a bolt action. Lever & pump actions would fall somewhat in-between. There's always the .22WMR (also known simply as .22 Magnum) as a stepping stone between the .22lr and a centrefire.
Having a mentor is important, and will help establish you with better habits than would clowning around with another youthful buddy. Of course this assumes that the adult has good habits themselves, which isn't always the case.
__________________
"The trouble with people idiot-proofing things, is the resulting evolution of the idiot." Me
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11-15-2013, 11:25 PM
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Banned
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 5,296
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyTrapper
Thanks guys, it would be more a gun that I would mostly use and I was planning on taking a course anyway. I would have my dad purchase it for me. At the moment I do not hunt but I am interested. Mostly in game bird such a Pheasant. But this requires a shotgun which I will do later. Thanks for all the advice!
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Model 42
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11-16-2013, 12:24 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 17,790
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Browning BL22. open sights. In my humble opinion it is a perfect first gun. Something that you can keep forever, and an excellent starter gun too. Learn to shoot open sights, then move on from there.
Gun number 2 if you're interested in pheasants etc, I'd be looking at a bps or a wingmaster in 20g (or 12g) with a 26" barrel.
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11-16-2013, 01:44 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 718
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I must second (third, et al) the above suggestions of .22 and Browning BPS! Surely a phenomenal gun for anyone, at any age. If you take good care of it, such a gun can still be useful for another generation after all our lifetimes have been completed.
Try different barrel lengths if possible. I prefer a 28" these days. Yet you need to have a firearm that fits you properly and is comfortable for you. Gun fit is very important, probably more so than brand and especially so when it comes to shotguns.
Povided you are safety conscious at all times (an extremely important trait regardless of gun), I feel a Ruger 10/22 can be a great first gun. One could always load a single round at a time whilst learning.
Browning makes a sweet one too, I believe it is called the T-Bolt. It is a lovely little piece though I have yet to try one personally, they do seem quite interesting. If money is no object then ask Santa for a Cooper Jackson Squirrel!
I presume your Folks (or at least one of them) has a PAL and that you would be able to, if not already have, applied/obtained your Youth PAL.
When I was your age, I was all about hunting Grey Squirrels in BC with my .177 air rifle. You are fortunate to be able to enjoy actual firearms and to have parents who hunt! Fortunately I was able to accept invites to observe and participate in Hunts in a non-harvest role. These days will surely set you up well for life!
Take care and remember to stay safe and have fun! Always a pleasure to know another generation has taken up Hunting.
Last edited by "No Choke"Lord Walsingham; 11-16-2013 at 01:54 AM.
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11-16-2013, 08:14 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Calgary
Posts: 200
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Quote:
Originally Posted by "No Choke"Lord Walsingham
I must second (third, et al) the above suggestions of .22 and Browning BPS! Surely a phenomenal gun for anyone, at any age. If you take good care of it, such a gun can still be useful for another generation after all our lifetimes have been completed.
Try different barrel lengths if possible. I prefer a 28" these days. Yet you need to have a firearm that fits you properly and is comfortable for you. Gun fit is very important, probably more so than brand and especially so when it comes to shotguns.
Povided you are safety conscious at all times (an extremely important trait regardless of gun), I feel a Ruger 10/22 can be a great first gun. One could always load a single round at a time whilst learning.
Browning makes a sweet one too, I believe it is called the T-Bolt. It is a lovely little piece though I have yet to try one personally, they do seem quite interesting. If money is no object then ask Santa for a Cooper Jackson Squirrel!
I presume your Folks (or at least one of them) has a PAL and that you would be able to, if not already have, applied/obtained your Youth PAL.
When I was your age, I was all about hunting Grey Squirrels in BC with my .177 air rifle. You are fortunate to be able to enjoy actual firearms and to have parents who hunt! Fortunately I was able to accept invites to observe and participate in Hunts in a non-harvest role. These days will surely set you up well for life!
Take care and remember to stay safe and have fun! Always a pleasure to know another generation has taken up Hunting.
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Thanks for the info! I would be hunting with experienced hunters that I know so I would be with people over 18 and that hunt respectfully. Actually neither of my parents hunt but there are some people I know who have PAL's and would take me out, I will soon be applying for one. Thanks!
Last edited by FlyTrapper; 11-16-2013 at 08:21 AM.
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11-16-2013, 10:16 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Near Edmonton
Posts: 15,043
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As a suggestion for a gun that will cover more bases, look into the 22/20 gauge that Baikal sells. I have one and used it a lot this fall on grouse and rabbits. The cost about $650 plus shipping and tax but you get a gun with great versatility.
The 22 is very accurate, can be scoped. I shoot it open sighted. The 20 gauge hits exactly where the 22 barrel does using the sights and is well fitted for wing shooting. (The 22/20 Gauge comes with three screw in chokes and they also come as 22 mag/ 20 Gauge). The 20 gauge works a lot better for wing shooting than the 22/410 model 24 Savage I have. With Slugs, the gun is capable on big game to 75 yards.
Gun can also be had as 308/12 gauge, 30-06/12, 223/12 etc for about $750 if you want a bird and big game combo gun. I have never found having only one shot any kind of a disadvantage. It teaches you to be a better shot and concentrate on making the first one count.
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11-27-2013, 09:41 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Calgary
Posts: 27
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.222, .223, or .22-250 would all be great for small game!
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11-27-2013, 10:35 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Calgary
Posts: 496
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gitrdun
Get your. 22 and shoot paper targets until you get proficient. Then get back to us.
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Go out and pick up a Mark ii. in 22LR with accu-trigger. I know what my budget for ammo was when I was 14, and this should be your first choice.
BOLT ACTION -forget the 10/22. you probably won't find one, and if you did? you're practising for a larger rifle remember? Ask the boys on this forum how many take out their elk or deer in 5 quick, semi-auto bursts vs. 1 well placed round...
$200 gun (or christmas present if you have your PAL)
$30 for 500 practice shots.
My last word of advice. Make sure you put a few thousand practice shots in (don't worry, won't take long) before you go out searching for critters.
This will save (or mitigate) the inevitable agony of watching the poor buggers take off wounded into the bush and feeling guilty about your poor shot..
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11-27-2013, 10:40 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: grew up in Alberta moved to SK, sure miss Alberta
Posts: 2,332
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well you could look at a combo gun one with a shotgun and rifle barrel
eg 30-30/over 20 gauge
like this one in this picture
Last edited by u_cant_rope_the_wind; 11-27-2013 at 10:45 AM.
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