[Cranky CJ]

Quote:       Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

NO it is not to big, matter of fact you'll learn to be a good shot with that 20ga. and when the time comes to move up to one of the new modern 12ga.'s that have less felt recoil (because of your stature) You'll be one heck of a good shooter !

Ditto on^^^What he said^^^

Get a 20ga, get good, then get a 12ga. There a lots around in pawn shops that can be had for less than new that are in like new shape.

[DWARREN123]

The .410 bore guns are really for experienced shooters, in my opinion. A 20 or 28 ga may be a better deal. Really going to depend on use and shooter.

[Troy]

what lefty said, about 18 or so posts above mine.

[EHCRain10]

Id suggest a 20ga, Im of a similar build (5'10" and 130lbs) and started shooting with a 20ga, once i had become proficient with that gauge i moved up to the 12ga but more often than not i grab the 20ga because i prefer the lower recoil

[Barkey42]

I started out at 12 or 13 with my dad's 20 ga. Ithaca M37 (He is 90 and still has it) . A couple of years later my dad bought a used 12 ga. Marlin M90 o/u for me. He cut off the stock to fit and then added a piece back when I got bigger. I was shooting mostly game loads. When I was 16 I got a used 12 ga. Model 12 Trap gun and I would often shoot 100 handicap and 200 16 yd. targets in one day. I never had an issue with recoil. I still have those 2 guns 50 years later.

[Bravo]

The 20ga is perfect to start on. I used on all the way up until I pretty much stopped growing.

I was about 5'7"-ish 150lbs when I started on a 20ga. Now at 6'1" - 205lbs, the 12ga fits pretty good

[andrew cochran]

I'd start on 20 and move to 12 when you get older.

[tippmann7]

its not to big. . .i bought a 20ga and im about the same size (a little bit taller but the same weight) and now i wish i had went with a 12ga. in the long run the 12ga is the best you can buy.

[andrew cochran]

Ammo chices are better but recoil is not.

[ander254]

I actually started with a 12ga at about your age. I did have about 20lbs more on me. I learned at Scout camp shooting the 12 and then went out and got one the next week with my folks. It was a 870 express. It was just a little large for me and could wear me out after shooting a bunch of skeet but I grew into it nicely. I personally would not get a youth model because at your age, you'll be in a full size gun in no time if not already.

[neophyte]

nc.hunter: Sir; dadgumit; so close yet so far away. We will be in Biscoe next week or the week after. Half way there. We have plenty of mess you could bang around and make your decision. Dadgumit.

Size places little value on 'is it too big, or small' Proper ?hold? or fitted will dictate more. Weight between a 20g and 12g [same maker] is insignificant.

[sc928porsche]

All three of my girls started shooting 20 ga. for birds. They eventually progressed to 12 ga.

[andrew cochran]

Well starting a girl shooting is totally different than starting a boy. Maybe I shouldn't have said that but it is the truth. lol

[Momoney567]

well i'm 14 i've been shooting a 12ga since i was 12 and i'm 5'8 and i weigh 165 but even when i was younger the 12 didnt bother me at all.