[SFAforester]

This is my first post on the highroad and hope its not a repeated question (i did a search but nothing really related).

I'm a shotgun instructor for 4-H and am starting a shooting sports team here in AR. We have some money we need to spend on shotguns, so I'm on the search for some youth 20 gauge shotguns. I'd prefer not to have pumps. I figured over/under or automatics would be good. What are your suggestions?

I've heard the Mossberg Silver Reserve are good but also read they've had a few problems. Thoughts on those? I'd like to spend less than $400-$500 per gun if possible.

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome aboard, and let me be the first to thank you. Teaching kids to shoot is about as positive an act as I can imagine.

Kudos!!

As to shotguns, the venerable 1100 is about perfect for a teaching tool.

Soft kicking, durable, and like the 870, it points nicely for folks of many sizes and experience levels.

Available in 12 and 20 gauges, new and used.

Good luck....

[ARGarrison]

I've been dong the 4-H Shooting Sports thing for 16 years as a shotgun instructor, here in Indiana. Let me first say, be very very thankful you have money. Our county started out with little to nothing. We had and still have New england single shot breaks. They're cheap, that's why we got them. A lot of people swear by the pardener model, but I've seen my share of broken firing pins and transfure bars in them.

We have five disaplances to fund and buy for, money is always in short suppy. When I first got the check book I added a Mossberg 500 Bantam pump in 20 gauge. Our first repeater! It was hard to get some of the older kids to give up on the breaks, but to each their own. We added a Remington 11-87 20 gauge youth model this year. It has worked out nicely, but it does get very hot, everybody likes it. Still have some though that op for the pump or break.

I'll say the Remington 11-87 20 gauge youth is a good choice, but are above the $500 price point. Then it only came with a modified choke tube.

We have used in the past a Remington 1100 20 ga youth and a Remington 870 20 ga youth from the Indiana Hunter Ed. Both good guns.

I'm sorry, I don't have any experance with Mossberg's O/U. I was looking at giving one in 12ga a try, but money as always an issue.

Andrew

[Smitty in CT]

Mossberg has their "Friends of the Family" program, we (Boy Scouts) used it a few years ago and got some REALLY GOOD deals on several shotguns. I remember the process being pretty simple, just had to supply all of the non-profit paperwork and all that that entails.

from Mossberg's website:
For complete details on the Mossberg® "Friends of the Family " program, please send your name, complete street mailing address and specify what program best fits your fundraising or educational needs to the address below.

O. F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
Attn: Friends of the Family Program
P.O. Box 497
North Haven, CT 06473
Email: O.F.Mossberg@att.net
Fax: (203) 230-5420

Regarding the Silver Reserve O/U's, I also heard that they had LOTS of problems when they 1st came out, but, I haven't heard about the problems lately, so Mossberg has probably fixed the problems...

Good luck and let us know what you wind up with.

[SFAforester]

Thanks guys. Still looking. I sent my letter to Mossberg... we'll see what they send back.

[Grayrock]

I have a friend who is a 4-H instructor. Most of his kids have their own guns, but he usually packs a couple of spares if they are needed. He has found that the Baikal O/U's have worked out well for him. They won't break the bank and are hard to break. Spartan by Remington is what they are being called now.