[Bubba Smithers]

Well it seems the more I shop for a pump shotgun the more confused I get. I'm looking to purchase a gun for a 12 year old.

Some of you have suggest forget the 20 ga. and go for the 12 ga.

Well, I've narrowed it down to three manufacturesmodels:

Bennelli Nova - like the fact you can change loads without fully unloading.
Remington 870 - old standard lots of accessories.
Winchester 1300 - well made, lots of accessores.

So my question to the brain trust is which is the best gun?

Would you purchse a 12 ga. or 20 ga.?

What lenght barrell?

Thanks!
:hmmm:

 

[Dale]

My vote would be for the 870 Wingmaster.

Simply because of it's reasonable price, availability, reliability, access to spare parts, if needed and simplicity of design.

12 gauge or 20 gauge is up to you...you best know the strength of the shooter but it sounds like he is nearing the age where he should be able to handle a 12 guage.

The length of barrel depends on what the gun is intended for.

And, again, depending on the use there isn't much less you can do with a 20 gauge that a 12 gauge can do.

There is an option of getting another gauge, such as 16.

But, if at all possible I'd go with the 12 gauge.

 

[NRAJOE]

Whats wrong with Mossberg 500A? Got 2...riot gun...and hunting gun with ventilated rib and a slug barrel.....

 

[Guest]

They're all good choices !..I like the Winchester (I sold mine to a cop friend) might replace it with the Remington 870 or the Ithaca 37 :assult:

 

[Dallas]

I'm with Joe you can't go wrong with a Mossberg.

 

[trapfreek]

When my daughter was younger I took her to the gun shop and let her handle a 1300 , the 870 and a mossberg 500, all 20 ga. she liked the mossy better for fit and handling so it might be a good idea to do the same with yoiur 12 yr. old. We did not try the bennelli. I like my 1300 as well as her mossy. As far as gauge it depends what you want to use it for. Turkey, 16 yd. trap, and waterfowl 12 ga. Everything else 20 gauge. I know jerry will say 870 all the way.

 

[SilverRun]

Bubba,
I started my kid out with a 20ga Remington 870 when he was about 11. I went with the standard length stock. The full length was a little awkward at first, but really helped out over the next couple years as he grew. Now he (son is now 15 years old) has stowed the 20ga and swiped one of my 12ga autos.

I guess what I am saying is that I wouldn't lose sleep over the decision. He will be talking you into a 12ga auto in a couple years anyway! The little 20ga 870's are fairly cheap and are quality guns. I would recommend the 20ga until he is savvy enough to handle an auto. Those 12ga pumps kick like heck! They are also heavier and bigger than the 20ga and will be harder for him to shoot.

My son was limiting out in the dove field with his 20ga within a couple seasons! They are very good shooters! The only drawback with the 20ga is if you are looking for a deer or turkey gun. I that case, I would let him borrow your gun on those days.

Hope this helps. Either way, you are in for some fun times!

 

[jerry]

. I know jerry will say 870 all the way.

870 is still my #1 favorite. I have a lot of respect for my son's Mossberg, fine tool. I'm having a ball with the SuperX2 lately. The 870 will always be there though. :right: