Opinions on youth shotguns

[ptbrauch]

If I were going to get a shotgun for a child, would it be better for them to have a youth-sized model but with more recoil, or a lighter gauge with less recoil?

I used to have a single shot 20 ga that kicked worse than my 12 ga pump. Looking around, youth sized 20 ga are fairly common in single shots, but I suspect they'd kick quite a bit. Or would an adult sized 28 ga be better. Since 28 ga don't seem to be too common in adult sizes, I figure that youth-sized 28's are fairly rare.

As for a .410, I've just always been weary of them for some reason--especially for a kid. To me, it seems like we have it backwards when it comes to a .410. I would think that when you're starting out, you'd want to start with something that would throw a lot of lead in a big pattern a long distance. And once you developed some skills, you'd move to the lighter and lighter loads until you reached the .410.

[trader rob]

it is the fit of the gun to shooter and design of the stock that determines felt recoil. as to guage improved cylinder choke and light loads = more hits. tr

[WBBP]

A cheap 870 20 ga pump youth model is perfect to start with. All 3 of my sons had them.

I would stay away from a 410 or or singles, the pumps are so much more versatile and hold their value better.

Good luck.

K

[aceoky]

Also FWIW, the Sim's Limbsaver's recoil pads are Awesome for reducing felt recoil...... :)

[C.L.Button]

A cheap 870 20 ga pump youth model is perfect to start with.

I would stay away from a 410 or or singles, the pumps are so much more versatile and hold their value better.

Good luck.

K

What he said.

[dug1976]

I bought one for my son, I did put a Limbsaver recoil pad on it. I have even carried myself if I know I'm going to do alot of walking. I did put a turkey choke on it. He killed a Bird at 36 yds.

[GSP]

A cheap 870 20 ga pump youth model is perfect to start with. All 3 of my sons had them.

I would stay away from a 410 or or singles, the pumps are so much more versatile and hold their value better.

Good luck.

K
As for a .410, I've just always been weary of them for some reason--especially for a kid. To me, it seems like we have it backwards when it comes to a .410. I would think that when you're starting out, you'd want to start with something that would throw a lot of lead in a big pattern a long distance. And once you developed some skills, you'd move to the lighter and lighter loads until you reached the .410.
BINGO - BINGO!
Give them a gun that is capable. A 20 will do anything needed.
.410s are for experts.

[predator]

BINGO - BINGO!
Give them a gun that is capable. A 20 will do anything needed.
.410s are for experts.

I agree 100%

[NonTyp]

I am a big Remington fan but I bought my daughter a Mossberg Bantam 20 guage pump. The perfect kid shotgun. Part of the stock can be removed to further adjust to the child and comes with an extra kick pad that fits the stock after you remove a small section of it. When the child grows out of the youth model size, you can send Mossberg $50 and they will send you an adult size stock and forearm to fit the youth gun. They are great little guns and throw a dandy pattern. My girl uses hers for turkey hunting and would not hesitate taking a 35 yrd shot.

[labwild]

I am a Hunter Ed. instructor and have found that the Remington 1100 20 gauge youth model is the best shotgun for beginning shooters. These shotguns have much less felt recoil than single shots or pumps. You can get youth size stocks from Cabelas or the Remington website or get a full size stock to replace the youth stock.

[cornbread]

Also take a look at the Browning Micro Gold (semi-auto) or the Browning BPS Micro (pump).

[fullstrut1]

I just bought my son a Remington 870 Jr. which is shorter than the youth model, 12" LOP, and it fits him to a T. The stock and forearm are in MOBU and I added a Rino choke tube and a red dot. Loaded with Nitro ammo this is a great little Turkey gun.