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Hi all-

I am brand new to hunting and firearms in general. I'd like to get involved however, so I joined up here.

I want to know what type of gun I should start off with? Here's a few details....

I have never hunted before.
The only weapon Ive ever fired was a civil war musket loader, and that was 15 years ago. Though I do know HOW to shoot.
Iam interested in huntingdeer, hog and turkey.
I'd be doing all hunting with my dog. (dont know if that matters)
I am looking to purchase one gun that is adaptable to all 3 kinds of hunt.
I'd rather not spend more than $500

Thanks everyone for your help. Also I am from Virginia and would like to hook up with people that wouldnt mind showing me the ropes.

Thanks. -Rob

if you are going to hunt with a dog best thing to use is a good shotgun, 12 or 20 gauge it all depends on your peference.

Hey, welcome to the forums!

Throwing turkeys in there makes things a lil trickier. If it were just deer and hogs I'd suggest something like a 30-30 as well as some other calibers. BUT turkey are hunted with shotguns. You could get a 12gauge pump with an a regular barrel and a slug barrel and take care of all three animals for under $500. I would price the single shot break-open shotguns for turkey (I'm thinking they usually run right around $100)..make sure it either has "choke tubes" or comes in full choke. Then take the remaining money and by a rifle and lots of ammo to practice.

30-30, seems like an ideal caliber because its easy to find in a wide variety and at good prices...it's not heavy on recoil (which really helps new shooters) and it's proven as a deer and hog gun. It's not a 'long range' caliber but as a new shooter you probably don't need to be taking 'long range' shots. Besides, leveractions are just plain fun...which means you'll practice more. If you find a deal on a gun and aren't sure about just post questions...there are tons of good deer and hog calibers...too many to list.

thanks for the info... I didnt know Turkey hunting could only be done with a shotgun...Im learning already. Someone I worked with mentioned the .243 and .270 caliber rifles for a first timedeer or hog hunter... (im not putting much stock into what they said just yet) what do you think about these guns? I briefly looked at some prices for these rifles and I saw a few in my price range.

For hunting deer or hogs with dogs,the 7mm-08 or the 308win would be fine choices.But when you include turkey,a shotgun is the best choice.

Your co-worker is right...a 270 or 243 would be fine for deer or hogs. If you are only going to get one gun for all 3, I recommend a 12 gauge shotgun. The remington 870 would be in your price range. Get a fully rifled barrel for slugs (deer and hogs) and a smoothbore barrel with full choke for turkeys.

Good luck in your new pursuit.

a mossberg 835 ulti-mag is a good choice in a 12 guage pump as well. well below 500 bucks. you can get a 835 with a smoothbore and a rifled slug barrel for 399 at wally world.

I would look at the Benelli Nova. It is under your budget and works great. Other wise try the Rem. 870 Exp. Good luck.

For deer and hogs I would go with a .270 Win., and for turkey a 12 gauge. Good luck.

Rob who said that you have to huut turhey with a shotgun I have been shooting them with a 22. mag for years. and if I have my 6.5 you head shoot them I still don't know why every body need to shoot 12 bb size shot at a turkey and put a lot of holes in it when you can do my motto one shot one kill. I know in a lot of states you have to use a shotgun but not where I live.