Youth Gun Input

[Flatfish]

Looking for suggestions on a shotgun for our 11 yo nephew.

Want gas loading auto 20 ga. 3" (Will shoot target loads at clays, and 3" at birds)

Needs to be reliable. Both on the target range and in the duck blind.

Needs to have parts available in case there's a hiccup.

He's shot the Weatherby SA-08 20 compact at Mid Valley. It checks most of the boxes listed. But it's discontinued. So parts availability could be a concern.

Thanks

Read More

 

[nwslopoke]

It depends on a lot. But size does matter. If he is bigger maybe stick with the 20g but if not why not look into some 410?

 

[Will_White]

Can't go wrong with an 1100, depending on size and fitment .410 or 28ga might be better but I'd definitely look at getting a stock that you can adjust for growth.

 

[Flatfish]

The 410 is an option. Trick is, the plan is for him to hunt ducks next season. If the 410 ends up being the choice, ammo options for hunting will be limited at best.

The 1100 would be a great option. Looked at one I saw in 410 recently that had an asking price above $2,00.00. In addition, fit might be a challenge, as stock/forearm are full size dimensions.

I think Beretta made compact/youth model in 20 ga on their 300/390 action. Like the 1100, prices are high. Higher than a new A-300. Both are options. Was hoping to get input on present day autos.

As soon as the kid can fit a 13-13.25" LOP, this becomes much easier.

 

[uberguy]

Mossberg International SA-20 - All Purpose Field

 

[Flatfish]

Uber,

Do you have hands on experience with the Mossberg?

 

[P7M13]

Check out Bi-Mart. I saw an autoloader there - dunno the brand. So many are made in Turkey, there's likely not much difference from one brand to the other among Bi-mart offerings.
Lemme guess, your Nephew probably weighs a Buck to a Buck 20. That would make him big enough to shoulder a 12 gauge. If he's recoil shy, just put a rubber absorber on the buttstock. My daughter weighed 120 when I gave her my Auto 5 Light 12. The LOP on Auto 5's is surprisingly short. We put a slip-on recoil pad on hers and she was GTG.
Edit to add : a buddy from long ago was brought up on a 28 gauge with the promise, when he consistently shot 80% with his 28 gauge, they'd get him a 12 gauge. I know better than to bet with him, even when he's toting his 28 gauge.

 

[Flatfish]

Nephew weighs 65-70 pounds. 11 years old.

If he could shoulder a full size gun, this conversation wouldn't be necessary. The 12.5" LOP on Weatherby compact is borderline big for him now. He should grow into it pretty quickly. Especially with some coaching/practice.

Turkish made autos have less than stellar reputations for reliability.

Trying to set the kid up for a positive experience. If he has fun, maybe we decide hunting and guns are a positive thing.