Youth Shotgun

Bubba Smithers · 07-27-2004, 10:41 AM

I'm looking to purchase a youth shotgun for a 12 year old. I'm leaning toward a 20 ga. pump - perhaps and Remington 870 or a Benellia Nova. Any thoughts?

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/new...wthread&f=107#
Hmmm?

jerry · 07-27-2004, 10:53 AM

Yes Sir,
My son has had outstanding luck with his Mossberg 500 Bantam 20 ga.

He shoots left handed so the top tang safety was a bonus. The ejection port does not bother him. The gun came with a 50% off coupon to upgrade the stock/forearm when they grow out of the short one.

I recently put fiber optic "Turkey sights" on the 3/8 vent rib. Trying to make a poor mans slug gun out of it. He keeps slugs in the middle of a paper plate consistantly at 40 yards with this set up. (Imp Cyl choke) I need to find a cyl choke to try as well.

For the money you can't beat the gun. The others mentioned are good as well. the Mossy is the best experience I have with my son.

Good Luck

myarmor · 07-27-2004, 11:12 AM

My Father bought my a Remington 870 express, when I was about 13 or so and I have never saught after another yet. It is the most reliable, rugged and dependable shotgun I have seen. Not down play Winchester, Berreta, or Mossberg,by any means. They are killer guns in their own right, but I will have this 12ga for life. Deer, Turkey, Phesant, Rabbit, you name it. It has done me well.

dave375hh · 07-28-2004, 08:13 AM

Bubba,
I'd suggest a 28ga if he's small, if he's a big kid you may as well go to a 12ga. The light 12's (ammo) kick less than most 20's do. The hardest kicking shotgun I own is a 5 1/4# lb 20 ga. SxS! Yeah it's fast but you don't want to shoot it in shirt sleeves. The 12 gives you tons of options over any other guage. I'd prefer a Wingmaster to an Express in the 870, but all the guns listed above would be great. One thing to remember about the Nova, you can't change to a std size stock when he grows more like you can with the others.

Big Dog · 07-28-2004, 12:57 PM

Early on, I started with a 20 gauge Noble pump, and I still have it. I never had a problem keeping up with Dad getting my limit of squirrels or ducks.
Later, I had the opportunity to special order a Rem. 870 - and I chose a 16 gauge - still have it too. I only finally got a 12 gauge fairly recently, maybe ten years ago - and it's now a 20" barreled home defense gun.
I switched my squirrel hunting to the .22 rifle, but still have the old shotguns if I decide to go the scattergun route again.
I think a 20 is perfect for a youngster starting out. A 16 is good too, but the shells are harder to find these days. I'd personally go with the Rem. 870, but that's just because I have had long familiarity with them. I trust them.

07-27-2004, 10:41 AM	#1
Bubba Smithers Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 7	Youth Shotgun I'm looking to purchase a youth shotgun for a 12 year old. I'm leaning toward a 20 ga. pump - perhaps and Remington 870 or a Benellia Nova. Any thoughts? http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/new...wthread&f=107# Hmmm?

07-27-2004, 10:53 AM	#2
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,870 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Yes Sir, My son has had outstanding luck with his Mossberg 500 Bantam 20 ga. He shoots left handed so the top tang safety was a bonus. The ejection port does not bother him. The gun came with a 50% off coupon to upgrade the stock/forearm when they grow out of the short one. I recently put fiber optic "Turkey sights" on the 3/8 vent rib. Trying to make a poor mans slug gun out of it. He keeps slugs in the middle of a paper plate consistantly at 40 yards with this set up. (Imp Cyl choke) I need to find a cyl choke to try as well. For the money you can't beat the gun. The others mentioned are good as well. the Mossy is the best experience I have with my son. Good Luck __________________ I'm a down home back woods redneck

07-28-2004, 08:13 AM	#4
dave375hh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 587	Bubba, I'd suggest a 28ga if he's small, if he's a big kid you may as well go to a 12ga. The light 12's (ammo) kick less than most 20's do. The hardest kicking shotgun I own is a 5 1/4# lb 20 ga. SxS! Yeah it's fast but you don't want to shoot it in shirt sleeves. The 12 gives you tons of options over any other guage. I'd prefer a Wingmaster to an Express in the 870, but all the guns listed above would be great. One thing to remember about the Nova, you can't change to a std size stock when he grows more like you can with the others. __________________ Dave 375 H&H

07-28-2004, 12:57 PM	#5
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,205	Early on, I started with a 20 gauge Noble pump, and I still have it. I never had a problem keeping up with Dad getting my limit of squirrels or ducks. Later, I had the opportunity to special order a Rem. 870 - and I chose a 16 gauge - still have it too. I only finally got a 12 gauge fairly recently, maybe ten years ago - and it's now a 20" barreled home defense gun. I switched my squirrel hunting to the .22 rifle, but still have the old shotguns if I decide to go the scattergun route again. I think a 20 is perfect for a youngster starting out. A 16 is good too, but the shells are harder to find these days. I'd personally go with the Rem. 870, but that's just because I have had long familiarity with them. I trust them. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

07-27-2004, 11:12 AM	#3
myarmor Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Southwest ,VA Posts: 1,147	My Father bought my a Remington 870 express, when I was about 13 or so and I have never saught after another yet. It is the most reliable, rugged and dependable shotgun I have seen. Not down play Winchester, Berreta, or Mossberg,by any means. They are killer guns in their own right, but I will have this 12ga for life. Deer, Turkey, Phesant, Rabbit, you name it. It has done me well.