First check to see what is legal to hunt with in Canada. Here in Missouri we cannot hunt deer with anything less that 40 cal.
Next determine what range you will be hunting and if you like timber or open fields. My max is 50-75 yds in timber and even closer, so I do not need a long barrel. If you plan on shooting open fields then get a long barrel 28-29". Prices can vary greatly on barrel lengths and can help you keep within your price range.
Next see what is avaliable in the barrel length you want to stay with. Then handle as many as you can, as they all shoulder differently. You might try the gun auction sites. I have bought a few winners and tuned them up to excellent shooters.
I shoot older Traditions (Lightning Bolts) 2 with long 28" barrels and 1 with 24" barrel. Traditions now carries stainless barrels on newer guns. Mine are nickle but shoot great.
You have many choices with all the guns and each has an extra price, black vs stainless, camo etc... It just comes down to what you are comfortable with. But beware, you buy 1 and then 2, then 10 and so on. It is very addicting. Good luck.
Good noob BP
