If I could only have one gun, it would be a 12ga. shotgun. You can do just about anything with a 12ga. shotgun. You can hunt ducks, squirrels, deer, hogs, birds and just about anything other than elk or something. It's also great for home defense. I used to live in New Jersey for a few years. Their gun laws suck. I think the only place worse is California. Here in Oklahoma, if you have cash, they don't give a crap who you are.

Anyways, I have a Mossberg 500 that I have had for over 10 years. It is a GREAT gun. I also have a Mossberg 935 semi-automatic 12ga. I love it too. Several of my friends have bought a Stoger P-350. I think it's called a P-350. Anyways, it's a pump and is the same thing as a Benelli Nova. Hands down, I think the Stoeger is the best shotgun you can buy for under $300. It's REALLY nice.

For rifles, you gotta have a .22. They're a lot of fun to shoot, they're cheap to buy, and cheap to shoot. You can buy a brick of 550 .22 rounds for less than $9!! You can hunt squirrels and other small critters with them. They don't blow your eardrums out either. I can shoot mine all day and it doesn't bother my ears at all. I own a Marlin 60SB. It's a really pretty gun. Stainless steel barrel with a light colored wood stock. It holds like 18 rounds too. It's a smooth gun too. The trigger is really nice to pull unlike the Ruger. I bought mine at Wal-Mart brand new for $115. That was 10 years ago, but I still think you can get one for under $150. I put a cheap $40 scope from Wal-Mart on it too. This thing is dead on accurate every shot. I love this gun. Marlin 60. That's what you need.

For a bigger rifle, you can't beat a 30-06 for your first high powered rifle. It's a great all around rifle. Good range, penetration and knock down power. There's a lot of nice ones out there. I like the Browning and Remingtons myself. If you want something cheaper, Savage makes a great 30-06 for under $300. So, if you have $1,200, that's more than enough to get yuo started with some great guns.

My family was kind of like yours. We never had guns when I was growing up and nobody in my family hunts besides me. So, I'm pretty much self taught or learned from friends. But once I got out on my own, I started buying guns. Mom never let me have a dirtbike either but I have one now. But she remarried a few years ago and my stepdad is a very avid gun collector and hunts from time to time. My dad even bought a .40 cal pistol. They're coming around.

Anyways, your first gun should definately be a 12ga. Get a pump. They're great. Get a .22 and a 30-06 and you'll be set! You'll fiure it out from there! Matt