[Bruno2]

Who makes a decent youth model 20 gauge OU that I can buy for my boy . I think Franchi has one , but , I dont know which model it is . I dont want a stoeger or a cheaper gun , however I think 700.00-800.00 dollars would be about the max .

[ArmedBear]

I dont want a stoeger or a cheaper gun , however I think 700.00-800.00 dollars would be about the max .

You're pretty much SOL, then.

Franchi only makes one O/U model, the Renaissance. I don't see a youth modellisted, and the design is particularly unsuitable for shortening due to the recoil pad design. It's a lightweight gun, and it needs that pad to shoot comfortably.

SKB makes shorter O/Us, but not for 800 bucks.
http://skbshotguns.com/over-and-under/field/585-series-specs.php

[oneounceload]

You MIGHT....stress MIGHT be able to find a used O/U from Browning, SKB and the likes for around your max budget to a little more. Typically, it will be the field model, which tend to be a little lighter for carrying and thus will have more noticeable recoil than a target version. Those can be cut to fit a youth, but then, as the youth grows, the stock will need replacing.....unless you install an adjustable device capable or growing with the youth

Here's a SKB at the max of your budget:

http://www.gunsinternational.com/Ithaca-SKB-Model-500-Japan-20GA.cfm?gun_id=100100082

It's already at 13-3/4 - might work well for you

[ArmedBear]

I have that gun (Ithaca SKB 500 in 20). I really like it.

But...

Unless it's cut down, which it doesn't appear to be, it's closer to 14 1/8" with a buttplate. It also has fixed barrels, which are great in the field, but not exactly optimal for, say, skeet. It's not steel shot rated, either; it's far too old.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Yeah, you're probably better off grabbing a youth 20 ga autoloader - there are several of those out there - and youth pumps too. I'd probaby get a pump for a kid.

[ArmedBear]

A man deserves a nice O/U when he has to shave daily, and not before.:D

[FLNT4EVR]

My brother bought a Stoeger O/U 12/20 ga combo at Dicks last year for under $500 and is very happy with it. It is a real good shooter and functions flawlessly. It was a little stiff at first,but with use ,a good cleaning ,and correct lubrication it has worked out to be a decent gun for the money.

[oneounceload]

And, depending on shooting volume, that Stoeger might be just fine. However, IME, IF the gun is going to be used for some serious target shooting - into the many thousands of targets per year - than the Stoeger and similar ilk typically do not hold up. So, it will depend on the OP's intent

[ArmedBear]

Of course, we don't know how old the kid is.

However, if he's growing, the Stoeger will last longer than it fits him, most likely.:)

[oneounceload]

probably more true there, AB - but if we're talking a dedicated target gun, then replacing a stock as the kid gets older is cheaper than replacing a cheap gun that is always breaking

[Bruno2]

I have a stoeger OU 12/20 combo and I hate it . Thats why I am looking for a nicer gun . He already has an auto loader Rem 1187 thats a pos . He is learning to reload and its a lot to better to have a break action so the barrel can be inspected before loading . When he hits a squib ( not if b/c it will happen) I would like for him to be able to inspect before loading or if hull seperates from the base wad and longes it can be seen also . The break action guns open up a whole new variety of low pressure , low recoil loads that will not cycle a gas gun ,but , are much more pleasent to shoot . My son (Kris) is twelve and is just now starting to get into clay games . I enrolled him in the Schoolastic clay target program at our gun club . He is shooting about 75-100 rnds per weekend .

[tactikel]

CZ imports a really nice line of turkish shotguns (made by Huglu) I have a Huglu and it is one fine shotgun for the money. I have had it for 5 years and have had zero problems.

http://cz-usa.com/products/view/canvasback-103-d/

[oneounceload]

If he is already shooting 100 per week, that will surely grow as he progresses. My opinion would be to find a nicely used Browning or Beretta - (whichever one comes closest in initial fit) and then get it fitted to him. Installing one of the various well-made adjustable stock devices will allow it to grow with him - to a point. It will eventually need to be replaced. Browning and Beretta have replacement stocks available from a wide variety of sources. He'll have a gun that shouldn't break or need repairs for many thousands of rounds, and even when it does, they are easily repairable by any competent gunsmith. If eventually he moves onto something more upscale, you'll get most, if not all, of your money back from the Browning or Beretta, something that won't happen from a cheap gun.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

A man deserves a nice O/U when he has to shave daily, and not before.

Hmmm, maybe I need to sell - I only shave every other day (Native Amer. blood). :p

CZ imports a really nice line of turkish shotguns (made by Huglu) I have a Huglu and it is one fine shotgun for the money. I have had it for 5 years and have had zero problems.

+1. I have two of the CZ/Huglus - very nice and no problems. I have a 20 ga Durango SxS, and a 12 ga Grouse O/U. I also have a Stevens 512 Goldwing O/U in 28 ga that I like so far. I don't shoot the fire out of these, so I can't say how they stand up over time, but so far, so good. Stevens also makes a 12 Goldwing which is the SxS variation of the 512. All these guns are made in Turkey.

[ArmedBear]

What disciplines are they shooting, BTW?

[berettashotgun]

The existence of a YOUTH O/U ranks right up there with Bigfoot and the Loch ness fish.
That 20ga will be punishing (to some adults) when it hits 6.5lbs and under - unless you load the shells. Reloading will make this a SWEET tool.
Big deal about the amount of ejecta and the weight of the firearm.
That said, your price range will get you a lot of shotgun; shop around.
I highly recommend getting a Beretta or Browning. Name brand on a LONG term use item never hurts.
Recently I picked up a Beretta 686 White Onyx with 26" tubes for a grand from auctionarms- it is nice . And light! With some field loads the 6 - 6.5lb shotgun had a very brisk recoil. I'm a big (and FAT ) fella, and recoil isn't that bad on me, but a little guy might not appreciate it as much as you. And - tears ( from pain ) will hurt the finish - speckle the bluing - I'm just sayin.....
Now, I think I'll go melt a coupla sticks of butter and just drink it:p. Gotta keep my figure just right....

[Bruno2]

Quote Armed

"BearWhat disciplines are they shooting, BTW? "

Skeet mostly , however , they are going to be shooting trap also . I shoot trap with an O/U b/c I shoot sporting clays also . I dont have enough extra money to spending 2k on a dedicated gun . I need one that I can use all over the clay games .

[Cuzzin]

Consider the Beretta 3901 Target RL in 12ga - stock length is perfect for smaller folks. My wife has one and really likes it. Other posters are correct, an O/U typically is front heavy - but balances because of the longer stock. Shortening the buttstock is going to make the gun hard to swing and the shooter will get very tired.