Hello! from a Firearm Greenie

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GinandFin

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Hi there! I’m a young woman new to firearms from Waxhaw, NC, which is near Charlotte.
I am leaving for a two month paddling trip on the Yukon River this summer where I intend to carry a shotgun. Was looking for a used Remington 870/Mossberg 500 but I think I’m going to wind up with a Mossberg 88 for ease of purchase both in cost and quick accessibility here. Preferably with a folding stock to carry it in a watercraft easier.
Once I get back to NC, I’ll be purchasigg by my first concealed carry this fall, an Sig Sauer or Glock. I’m also keen on learning how to hunt so I’ll get a rifle eventually. Never grew up in a family that hunted so I’ll be the first to learn. Thanks for having me here! Great to have a forum like this.
 
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GinandFin said:
Hi there! I’m a young woman new to firearms from Waxhaw, NC, which is near Charlotte.
I am leaving for a two month paddling trip on the Yukon River this summer where I intend to carry a shotgun. Was looking for a used Remington 870/Mossberg 500 but I think I’m going to wind up with a Mossberg 88 for ease of purchase both in cost and quick accessibility here. Preferably with a folding stock to carry it in a watercraft easier.
Once I get back to NC, I’ll be purchasigg by my first concealed carry this fall, an Sig Sauer or Glock. I’m also keen on learning how to hunt so I’ll get a rifle eventually. Never grew up in a family that hunted so I’ll be the first to learn. Thanks for having me here! Great to have a forum like this.
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Welcome
 
Welcome to CFF. I am envious for you and your trip; it sounds like the trip of a lifetime!

Almost 35 years ago I was scheduled to work in central Alaska for a summer. The firearms advice that I received was as follows.

1 - stainless steel is preferred due to exposure to the elements. So stainless rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
2 - A gun in the truck does you no good when you encounter a bear in the woods...... So as a backup plan carry a large caliber stainless steel revolver on your person at all times outdoors, in a manner where you can quickly access it.
3 - Bring enough gun! You need something adequate to quickly stop the biggest thing that might attack you. A revolver in double action 44 magnum and a short barrel is a great choice. Ported short barrel might be best. A Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan in .44 mag and short barrel is preferred by a lot of folks that travel to Alaska. Buy it used and sell it when you return. Yes, this is a LOT OF GUN for smaller framed folks, but you need something powerful enough so that you don't just piss off the bear!
4 - practice here with the firearms in advance so that you can safely - and quickly - control them. It ain't necessarily fun to put a lot of rounds down range with a .44 snubby, but you need to shoot at least enough so that the gun won't fly out of your hands if/when you NEED it in an emergency, and that you can competently load / unload it under duress.

Once you return, for a personal conceal carry weapon sell the .44 and get a 9mm or something that is more manageable. We don't have 1000 lb grizzly bears around here.

You'll undoubtedly get some great advice from others here on CFF, and some of it may contradict my recommendations above. That's ok - read it all, discuss it and move forward with what you feel are your best options.

At the end of the day - have an awesome time on your trip!
 
I got a Mossberg 88 today, the poor man’s 500! Cheap and not very weather resistant like steel alloy but I figure that means I can break or lose it without too much crying, and it was quick to buy on short notice for the journey. And I know the folding stock might be a pain with its punch, but I’m hoping to throw a rubber recoil pad on it and it should be worth it for the added maneuverability/ease of transporting especially since I may opt for a kayak rather than a canoe. This is my first firearm! Will familiarize myself with it over the coming days shooting clays and cans and learn how to disassemble and clean it well since I know I’ll need to oil it a lot on the river. I intend to mostly carry slugs with maybe a little buckshot up to the Yukon. Unfortunately can’t get a handgun into Canada where I’ll be starting down the river which is why I went for this otherwise I’d have loved to have one. Appreciate any extra advice.

Thanks for the welcome everyone!
Testing out my mosquito net too …
IMG_2182.jpeg
 
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Scsmith42 said:
Welcome to CFF. I am envious for you and your trip; it sounds like the trip of a lifetime!

Almost 35 years ago I was scheduled to work in central Alaska for a summer. The firearms advice that I received was as follows.

1 - stainless steel is preferred due to exposure to the elements. So stainless rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
2 - A gun in the truck does you no good when you encounter a bear in the woods...... So as a backup plan carry a large caliber stainless steel revolver on your person at all times outdoors, in a manner where you can quickly access it.
3 - Bring enough gun! You need something adequate to quickly stop the biggest thing that might attack you. A revolver in double action 44 magnum and a short barrel is a great choice. Ported short barrel might be best. A Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan in .44 mag and short barrel is preferred by a lot of folks that travel to Alaska. Buy it used and sell it when you return. Yes, this is a LOT OF GUN for smaller framed folks, but you need something powerful enough so that you don't just piss off the bear!
4 - practice here with the firearms in advance so that you can safely - and quickly - control them. It ain't necessarily fun to put a lot of rounds down range with a .44 snubby, but you need to shoot at least enough so that the gun won't fly out of your hands if/when you NEED it in an emergency, and that you can competently load / unload it under duress.

Once you return, for a personal conceal carry weapon sell the .44 and get a 9mm or something that is more manageable. We don't have 1000 lb grizzly bears around here.

You'll undoubtedly get some great advice from others here on CFF, and some of it may contradict my recommendations above. That's ok - read it all, discuss it and move forward with what you feel are your best options.

At the end of the day - have an awesome time on your trip!
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Thank you so much for this incredible advice!
 
Glad to help (and congrats on acquiring your first gun!).

Depending upon where in Alaska that you'll arrive from Canada, you may be able to ship a handgun in advance to an Alaskan FFL and then pick it up when you arrive. At the end of the trip, ship it back home.
 
Welcome young lady.

I for one am greatly impressed by your efforts and the spunk you have displayed. Excellent choice for a river trip and that will serve you well on the Yukon. From birds to bears you will be prepared as long as you have the right ammunition. You have come to the right place here as some young and older men, women too, will be full of free advice based on knowledge.

Glad you’re here.
 
GinandFin said:
I got a Mossberg 88 today, the poor man’s 500! Cheap and not very weather resistant like steel alloy but I figure that means I can break or lose it without too much crying, and it was quick to buy on short notice for the journey. And I know the folding stock might be a pain with its punch, but I’m hoping to throw a rubber recoil pad on it and it should be worth it for the added maneuverability/ease of transporting especially since I may opt for a kayak rather than a canoe. This is my first firearm! Will familiarize myself with it over the coming days shooting clays and cans and learn how to disassemble and clean it well since I know I’ll need to oil it a lot on the river. I intend to mostly carry slugs with maybe a little buckshot up to the Yukon. Unfortunately can’t get a handgun into Canada where I’ll be starting down the river which is why I went for this otherwise I’d have loved to have one. Appreciate any extra advice.

Thanks for the welcome everyone!
Testing out my mosquito net too …
View attachment 778952
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I bought one of those for my daughter to take to her new apartment at College. She says she felt naked being off campus and unable to carry. I like the folding stock, but I bought her the Maverick, 20" barrell, 7 in the pipe and pistol grip.

I wrapped the grip in black pro-wrap to give some cushion. (It still puts a womp on your hand, but is a HOOT to shoot!)

I like that 88 as you can buy a ramp plug so you can cycle the Shorty Shots... if you can find similar ballistics -- load that pipe up and enjoy!

Glad to have you on the site.. as said earlier.. there is a lot of great advice here and we are not just a Gun Forum. We are a community, so if you need anything -- guarantee there will be someone to help out!

Envy of your trip! I am trying to get the time to get a Caribou hunt in Alaska... but the paddle and chance to see the Orca's would be awesome!

Have fun!
 
Welcome …

1st … grab some ammo and hit the range to become as proficient with your new tool as possible. If you can even find a shotgun class and take it. Do not believe Hollywood on how a shotgun works … THEY ARE FULL OF IT. Learn to mechanics … especially the pump action and quick magazine loading.
2nd … make sure you have good ammo for your trip … do not cheap out. Get a couple water tight bags for just ammo especially since you’re in a kayak and moisture can be a big factor. As to ammo I am a snob on Buckshot … Federal FlightControl 00 Buck all the way … it ain’t cheap and you might have to search a little for it but for your purpose do it. Also Federal’s LE Low Recoil Slugs are another favorite shotgun ammo for me.
3rd … think about a sling of some type. A simple sling allows you to carry it when you have other stuff in your hands … a sling is a holster for a long gun.
4th … carry plenty of lubrication and rags to keep it wiped down. The rags kept in a ziplock bag can reused quickly and easily to wipe moisture and dust away.
5th … grab som ammo and hit the range!
 
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Welcome to our community!
 
Hello from Raleigh, you're going to like it here on CFF.

 
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Scsmith42 said:
Welcome to CFF. I am envious for you and your trip; it sounds like the trip of a lifetime!

Almost 35 years ago I was scheduled to work in central Alaska for a summer. The firearms advice that I received was as follows.

1 - stainless steel is preferred due to exposure to the elements. So stainless rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
2 - A gun in the truck does you no good when you encounter a bear in the woods...... So as a backup plan carry a large caliber stainless steel revolver on your person at all times outdoors, in a manner where you can quickly access it.
3 - Bring enough gun! You need something adequate to quickly stop the biggest thing that might attack you. A revolver in double action 44 magnum and a short barrel is a great choice. Ported short barrel might be best. A Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan in .44 mag and short barrel is preferred by a lot of folks that travel to Alaska. Buy it used and sell it when you return. Yes, this is a LOT OF GUN for smaller framed folks, but you need something powerful enough so that you don't just piss off the bear!
4 - practice here with the firearms in advance so that you can safely - and quickly - control them. It ain't necessarily fun to put a lot of rounds down range with a .44 snubby, but you need to shoot at least enough so that the gun won't fly out of your hands if/when you NEED it in an emergency, and that you can competently load / unload it under duress.

Once you return, for a personal conceal carry weapon sell the .44 and get a 9mm or something that is more manageable. We don't have 1000 lb grizzly bears around here.

You'll undoubtedly get some great advice from others here on CFF, and some of it may contradict my recommendations above. That's ok - read it all, discuss it and move forward with what you feel are your best options.

At the end of the day - have an awesome time on your trip!
Click to expand...
What he said... And welcome aboard!
 
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Welcome, we're happy to have you with us.
 
Welcome to the new person!

Old people: If under frequent threat of exposure to water, would it be better to pick up a spray can of oil and hose the internals down frequently, or use grease to keep water displaced and make sure you pump it like your life depends on it? (i.e. spray it and risk it washing/dripping out vs coating it with grease that will get sticky in the cold)
 
God speed in your adventure!

Living in Juneau I learned that the Tlingit expression for “go away” to a bear is…
“CHUK-DEH!” Legs spread wide with arms raised and hands open and screaming it, the natives say that works good before you have to pull out the guns.
 
Wecome.

I recommend test firing your new gun. You can test with birdshot but make sure you try whatever ammo you are going to take on your trip as well.
 
Thanks everyone!!! :) Appreciate the warm welcome! I’ve been testing out my 88’ mostly with birdshot because it’s cheapest for practice but some buckshot and slugs too.
I leave for White Horse in a week and then I’ll be away for 2 months but will return to NC the start of August. Will try and post a quick update or two on my progress!
 
Welcome aboard!

The shotgun was about the best choice you could make considering Canada's gun laws. As someone else said, practice with it a bit. It's possible to short stroke a shotgun under stress. I'm more of a rifle/pistol person so I'm sure others (and YouTube) has some pretty good advice about that.

It is a good thing to have adventures when you're young and able to have them.
 
This video class on tactical shotgun for home defense, translates to your campsite, your home away from home.

 
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