[67drake]

I'm looking to buy a 20GA for my 12 year old. The 12's I have are all too big/long for him. Any recommendations?
My favorite shotgun is an old Remington Wingmaster. I would think a 20 GA version of this would work great for my 12 year old. Do they make a 20 GA version of the 870? (does not have to be as fancy as an actual wingmaster).
Thanks for any help!
BTW,this would be just for upland game.

[Jim Scites]

I bought my kids a Remington 1100 youth and ladies model and it's been flawless. Shot hundreds or rounds of skeep and still going strong. My son and daughter are both over 6' tall now and both are using 12ga O/Us so the gun just sits there. But some day I might have grandchildren that I get to teach to shoot so I'll just keep it.

[sleepy]

Gandermountain.
http://www.gandermountain.com/modper...ID=4006&r=view

[fyrffytr1]

Here is some info you may be able to use.
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/youth/

[hobbygto65]

Browning makes a nice youth style BPS. I had an Upland Special, nice little gun.

[67drake]

Great links and info guys! Thanks. I googled a few things,but had only come up with threads,with not much good info. I see the 870 IS made in a 20 gauge.
OK,another question. I have only hunted with pumps. I do have an old semi-auto,but never use it. My old man said this way you don't rush the shot,and you make your first shot count. Instead of just blasting a bunch of shots off. I don't know how true this is,but I have been shooting pumps my whole life,and pumping just comes automatically. I wonder what do you guys think are the advantages and disadvantages of a semi auto vs. pump as a first gun?
I read that the semi-auto has less recoil,but wouldn't this also absorb some of the shots velocity?

[beemergary]

You will never learn to shoot well with a semi auto unless your a born crack shot. A 20ga is a great all around gun. A 20ga. magnum is like a light load 12 ga. Those semi-autos will also be heavy to carry. I remember back in the 60's going pheasant hunting real early in the morning and catching the bus to school in michigan. I am lucky to see a pheasant anymore.

[tom s]

IMO,the most important deal for a kid is comfort.A pump will kick far more than a auto.I started my boys on a 28 ga rem 1100.Had diff stocks as they got older.When they were on there way and had the basics I did swith them to a 870 28ga.I would say at 12 he could shoot the light weight 20 870 with no problem.If I ever have grand kids I will start them off the same way.Tom

[67drake]

Yeah,I think the youth model 20 would fit him. It looks like they make a Jr. model too,but think that would be too small. He is about 5' 4", 105 lbs. Pheasant we would be shooting mostly low brass 6 & 7 1/2's,so I don't think the kick would kill him. I just wonder if the semi auto loses some power as compared to the pump,with the same round shot? I'll try looking that one up.
Beemergary,great point about the weight. See,that's just the type of info I would not have even thought about. That's why I started this thread!

[tom s]

nothing lost in a semi.Just nicer to shoot,much better recovery for a second shot also.Tom

[Poncho60]

I finally got a chance to buy my own shotgun when I was 13....it was a Winchester model 50 12ga auto.......not the featherweight either. Never regretted it...still have it. Grew up in S.D. in the 50s and 60s....can't begin to remember all the ducks and pheasants I shot during that time. I would say go for the auto unless you are really hung up on the "learning to shoot thing". The best for that is probably a single shot, but they can kick harder....jmo.

[67drake]

Thanks guys!
I did find a few threads to read this AM on the auto vs. pump deal,and it seems to be split 50/50 in opinions. One simple idea that I read is just give him 1 shell to shoot,so that he makes the first shot count!
I had him swing my 12 GA Wingmaster today,and though a little big (heavy),he can shoulder it fine. I might skip the whole youth model and get an adult. The last time he picked up my 12 gauge it was to long for him,so I guess he has grown more than I thought! I think he would get pretty fatigued carrying this for pheasant,so I'll have to see how the 20 compares weight wise,regardless of if I go auto or pump.I'm starting to lean towards auto though.This would not be used for hunting till next season,so this gives me plenty of time to do my homework. I would think used shotgun prices would come down after the season ends anyway.

[tom s]

JMO,look for a older Beretta like a AL390.GREAT guns and way less than the new models.I even have a old AL2 that works as good as when I got it 30 years ago.Not as front heavy as a 1100 and as good as any ever made.Might check gunbrookers.com.Tom

[bluebandit]

One thing to keep in mind with the auto is its ready to fire again with the touch of the trigger. Add that to the excitement of a new hunter and you get the potential of an accidental discharge. Of course good training and doing the one shell only would help to minimize that. Also remember the pump will not be load sensitive whereas the auto might have trouble with the light or heavy loads. My old 870 12g has been as reliable as a rock, got it in 1972 and its still going strong.

[Mike Smith]

I bought my 10 year old, a remington 11-87 auto 20 gauge youth model. He is now 13 he loves that gun. He hunts every thing from deer, turkey, rabbits-you name it. I'm 5' 7 that gun fits me perfect. the full size guns are just too long and front heavy. I can skeet shoot all day with it. The gun is even easy to take care of . Good luck