[Hawaiian]

Looking to buy our first shotgun. My son, a 13 yr old, and I go plinking in the mountains and have seen guys shooting clays. It looks like a lot of fun so a shotgun is to be my fathers day present to he and I. We might later join one of the gun clubs to shoot clays so I want a gun that will work there as well. From what I have read, a semi gas 12 gauge with a light load would be better recoil wise than a 20 gauge. My son is on the skinny side.
If this is correct, I am looking at the Winchester Super X2 either field or sporting. Leaning toward the sporting model with the adjustable stock. So, is this the right decision or is there something else that I should consider in the same price range?
Thanks for your input.

[Preacherman]

Super X2 is a great gun, and well worth the price. I don't own one myself (I stocked up on Remington 1100's a while back, and until they wear out, they're it! :D ), but I've shot the Winchesters, and they compare very favorably.

[Dave McCracken]

The X-2 gets its praises sung by the owners, a happy lot by and large. And clay shooting together sounds great to me.

But, unless you two are the same size and build, at least one of you will be cursed with a badly fitting shotgun. Adjustable stocks do not adjust for length, and that's a critical issue.

In your shoes, I'd get a gas auto and get it fitted to your son, with spacers to add length as he grows, and you learn to shoot with a stock that's too short.

Also, gas autos are on the heavy side for a growing boy. Not impossible to use, but have your son try out a few. Other good'uns include the Berettas and the venerable 1100 Remington.

BTW, last Sunday I shot a trap round with a pixie. She was 5 foot nothing, weighed around 100 lbs, and out shot most of us with her Beretta 391 RL. The RL stands for reduced length. She said the LOP was 12 5/8".

HTH....