Youth Shotgun Recommendations

[Tamren]

A couple months ago I had the privilege of teaching my girlfriend's 14 year old half-brother the basics of using a shotgun on my Mossberg 590. It was really neat to take someone out shooting for the first time.

Her father, 30 year old full brother, myself, and the her half-brother spent most of an afternoon on a family farm protecting the field from invading skeet

Ironically, out of all of us, the young-in got killed more skeet then the other three of us combined despite the fact my mossy was way way too big for him AND he'd never fired a gun outside a video game in his life

Anyways, my almost certainly future father in law is looking at buying a shotgun for his son, and will be calling me soon for suggestions. I'm guessing that this will be mostly a skeet gun, with the possibility of being taken out hunting. Any recommendations would be most welcome.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Remington makes an excellent Youth Model 870 in 20 ga. My brother-in-law bought one for my niece and she really likes it.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[ugaarguy]

Remington 870 Express Youth is a great choice. The now standard R3 recoil pad (Sims Limbsaver) is a great added feature. Watch for rebates soon - big green runs them every fall.

 

[Len S]

my 9 yo is a lefty, I got him the mossy bantam because of the tang mounted safety. He loves it,he is averaging 60 % at the trap range, the DNR has fields that you can bring your own trap. I got tired before he did. I figured the first time out he would shoot 25 rounds or so but he went through 100. I made him quit when the barrel started to shake. He was not happy but he stopped. The second time he went through 125. We take turns, there is usually 4 of us but I still found it hard to believe his determination.


Len S

 

[Smitty in CT]

Mossberg International SA-20 Bantam

The autoloader has less felt recoil than the pumps



SA-20 Bantam is on the top for a size comparison....

 

[8040Cougar]

I would reccomend either an 870 youth 20 gauge or a browning bps youth. I own the browning and have handled and shot the remmie, and they are quite similar. My bps has the edge in O/A quality and fit and finish in my opinion, but the remmie and its matte finish will probably be eaiser to maintain for a young shooter, not to mention I wouldnt be as afraid to lug the remmie through the brush as I would my precious flawless browning Seriously though, get whatever he prefers the feel of or is cheaper. I would say 16 Ga. or smaller though, 12's can be a tad much for a lightweight