Grandson and his Dad want to start shooting clays...

[ArmyAviator]

Nine year old grandson, solid athlete, and his Dad are interested in shooting clays. They have a solid range nearby. The Dad is military and understands weapons well enough; and they've shot plenty around me. I don't shoot clays. I'm asking for recommendations on shotguns for them. Not interested in dumping $1500 each for O/Us or dedicated clay guns, but I'll certainly listen as to where to start. My uninformed but common sense tells me that I might look for a couple of autoloaders that fit them...12 ga for Dad....20 for grandson...?

 

[oneounceload]

They might want to go to their local range and either rent or borrow some different guns to see what they like

Clay games are typically a 12 gauge scenario, and as long as the gun fits the 9y.o., there is no reason that with light handloads, he can't start with a 12.
Beretta makes some nice semis - used 390 or 391 have proven themselves for a LONG time and are THE semi of choice on the clay fields. Remington 1100s can also be used with great success and have been around for 50+ years.
Youth stocks can help make the gun fit the youngster, but he needs to be fitted so as not to get smacked a lot. His eye dominance also needs to be checked, especially at that age - if he is cross-dominant, he needs to learn to shoot from his dominant eye side

 

[Jim Watson]

There is no such (organized) event as "shooting clays."
You can shoot Trap, Skeet, or Sporting Clays.
I recommend starting with Skeet. I found it harder to transition from Trap to Skeet than what I see people doing going from Skeet to Trap.
Sporting Clays is a whole different thing, and it will be very tough unless you have gotten some experience on moving targets with Skeet and Trap.

20 ga is plenty for Skeet and a Junior auto would be a pleasant shooter for the boy.