ORIGINAL: Pickerel

Alright, I've finally got the paperwork done for my firearms purchasers card and I'm submitting that on break in November. The thing is though, my parents are anti-gun and anti-hunting, so this will be the first time I own a gun. I've been looking around a few websites (Remington, Winchester, Mossberg, Benelli) to see what's available. The paperwork will probably take until February to go through based on what I've heard from other people and from hunting stores, so I have time yet. This also gives me generous time to save up some money, as I can make a reasonable amount if I go back to the company I interned with over the summer. Judging by my schedule, I should be able to save up at least 1200 dollars. If I wait until later in spring break or the beginning of summer to get a gun, I could have 1800 dollars available.

I'm looking into getting both a shotgun and a rifle if possible. I'd even consider getting an over/under shotgun/rifle such as the Remington SPR94. If it means only getting one gun, then I'd prefer to get a rifle as I usually hunt in Jersey with my friends that have a couple old shotguns. I'd like to get a rifle so I can hunt in New York next season when I get an apartment off-campus. I'm open to recommendations for rifles, as my firearm shooting is limited to .22 rimfires and 12-gauge shotguns. Also, if anyone knows of any good, moderately inexpensive shotguns beside the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500, I'd like to hear about those too. Thanks.

-Garrett