texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,415
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,765
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics536,989
Posts9,719,196
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Shotgun for kids?? #6497977 10/16/16 09:55 PM
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
N
Nick1 Offline OP
Bird Dog
OP Offline
Bird Dog
N
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
My 10 year daughter is begging me to take her dove hunting. Thinking about taking her next season to give time to practice with a shotgun. I'm ecstatic she's interested as I have 3 other daughters and the other 3 or not at all. Thinking a 20 gauge. What models, caliber, and brands have worked for you all with kids, specific models, etc. thanks in advance.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6497985 10/16/16 10:12 PM
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,088
C
Creedmoor Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
C
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,088
Well, for 10 years old your largest obstacle is going to be finding something that will fit her small stature. And believe me ..... I went through it with my son. An ill-fitting gun will kick the snot out of her no matter what gauge it is. The problem with most 20ga guns is they are very light and that adds to the recoil factor.

No matter what you do, it's going to be a compromise. If I were in your shoes, I would get her a very inexpensive 12 gauge gun and have the stock cut to fit her. Then I would ask a good friend who reloads to load her some 7/8 ounce loads that have very little recoil. If you don't have a friend who reloads, have her shoot Winchester AA Skeet loads.

Not being a butt head, but at the age of 10 is she capable of handling and swinging a shotgun? Not many at that age can handle a gun well enough to dove hunt.


.
There's a fine line between BRAVE ... and STUPID.

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.
Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498010 10/16/16 10:22 PM
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,231
H
Hunt Dog Online Content
Veteran Tracker
Online Content
Veteran Tracker
H
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,231
Remington 870 youth model in 20 ga. It's affordable and easy to use. Low brass and there isn't too much kick.
I have had several friends buy them as a starter gun for kids. Take her someplace that sells them and let her hold it to check for size and fit.

If you get her something take her to a skeet range and let her start working on just straight going away and coming at you shots, no doubles. Build up her confidence then slowly start teaching pass shots and leading.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498012 10/16/16 10:24 PM
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
N
Nick1 Offline OP
Bird Dog
OP Offline
Bird Dog
N
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
Next season is optimistic which will make her about 11.5, but if she's not ready, she won't go. I'm in no hurry. I figure she'll need a lot of range time to get comfortable. We aren't running out to buy gun soon, just looking ahead. Thanks for the advice.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498033 10/16/16 10:36 PM
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,231
H
Hunt Dog Online Content
Veteran Tracker
Online Content
Veteran Tracker
H
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,231
Sometime in early Spring would be a good time to sign both of you up for the Hunter Safety class. Even if you have yours, go ahead and take it together.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498044 10/16/16 10:41 PM
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,924
G
gtrich94 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
G
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,924
I bought my son an 870 20 ga youth two years ago when he was 8 and he loves it. We tried my Stoeger 20 ga, but it was just too heavy and large for him to use effectively and it doesn't cycle the managed recoil rounds very well. We went to Bass Pro and tried every youth gun they had (they have a good number of them). I was leaning towards the youth autoloaders, but he like the 870 the best and it seemed to fit him really well. I bought a limb saver for it and he shoots the managed recoil loads without any issue.


Thanks,
Rich
Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498190 10/17/16 12:11 AM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,787
B
Buzzsaw Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
B
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,787
Don't kid yourself the 870 20ga, youth model has a pretty good kick to it. Try to let her shoot one. I got one for my daughter and put one of those Grizzly slip on neoprene pads on it, helped allot. never seen managed recoil shotgun shells but a light 7/8oz load can be found.

The model 1100 20ga youth kicks hard too, my daughter is a small 26, she can handle the 870 but it still kicks her...

Most important, try to take her to a range with some instruction, NOT DAD !!! She will benefit. A pro will see things "we" wont. just my opinion


SPACE FOR RENT


Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498226 10/17/16 12:35 AM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,275
J
jeepercreeper Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
J
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,275
If I were looking for my wife or small daughter I'd probably be looking at a Yildiz 410 or 28 ga O/U. They are fairly inexpensive and the 28 should have enough weight to keep recoil to a minimum. Load one round at a time until she understands how it works and you are comfortable. You could have it cut down to her LOP and a better butt pad on. Keep in mind....it's just a starter gun so dont worry about starting with 410 if thats what it takes to get her comfortable. If she enjoys it you'll be able to step up to a larger gauge later. If she doesn't like it, you'll have a nice youth gun that shouldn't be too hard to sell to the next guy teaching their kid.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498241 10/17/16 12:44 AM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,284
S
scalebuster Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
S
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,284
Try a H&R 20 gauge Topper Jr. Cheap and I think a single shot is safest.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498264 10/17/16 12:55 AM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 985
westexhunt Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 985
After trying the 870 youth and the mossberg 500 bantam youth 20 gauges in a store, we bought the mossberg. It's a tad heavier than the 870 possibly but my 10 yr old doesn't complain about the recoil and can shoot a box of shells in an outing without an gripes. The forend on the mossberg extends further back making it easier to reach for a youth shooter.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498285 10/17/16 01:08 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,422
J
jeffbird Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
J
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,422
28 gauge. Remington made a nice semi in 28 gauge, the 11-48, check gunbroker, or a 1100 or 870. Shorten the barrel to 20" and shorten the rear to about 12". It will be lighter so she will be able to hold it up better. 28 gauge will reduce the recoil compared to a 20 gauge and still kill doves effectively. A lesson or two on a skeet range might help too. Start on station 7 with new shooters.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498680 10/17/16 11:50 AM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
B
booradley Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
B
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
Started my first kid on a pump and my second with a semi. Wish I would have started the first on a semi. We've had a youth/compact SA-08 in the family for around five years. IMO they are a fantastic first shotgun for a kid.


Don’t roll those bloodshot eyes at me.
Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498695 10/17/16 12:16 PM
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,243
J
jhenderson Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
J
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,243
I started and my son both started on a single shot 20 gauge youth stock. To this day I still don't like shooting it. Wouldn't think recoil would be all that bad but trust me it will abuse you worse than just about any 12 I've ever shot.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6498807 10/17/16 01:55 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
T
Tactical Cowboy Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
A 12 gauge single shot with the stock cut down. That way they'll get the most shot in the air in a lightweight, easy to carry package. peep


The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #6499035 10/17/16 04:11 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
D
DocHorton Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
D
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
A 12 gauge single shot with the stock cut down. That way they'll get the most shot in the air in a lightweight, easy to carry package. peep


A 12 ga in a lightweight, short package? You don't like kids very much do you....Lol. That would be a punishing gun for a 10 y.o. girl.



Personally I'll start mine on a pump in either .410 or .28 ga. You don't want them to be so scared of shooting that they hate it.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: DocHorton] #6499051 10/17/16 04:20 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,275
J
jeepercreeper Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
J
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,275
Originally Posted By: DocHorton
Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
A 12 gauge single shot with the stock cut down. That way they'll get the most shot in the air in a lightweight, easy to carry package. peep


A 12 ga in a lightweight, short package? You don't like kids very much do you....Lol. That would be a punishing gun for a 10 y.o. girl.



Personally I'll start mine on a pump in either .410 or .28 ga. You don't want them to be so scared of shooting that they hate it.



I was thinking the same thing. One other thing I think might be worthwhile to do is let a new shooter fire bird shot at a paper target. That way they understand what is happening and how they are pointing the gun. Along with that, let them shoot some stationary clays off the ground. Nothing is more frustrating to a new shooter trying to hit clays or a bird when they just shoot into the abyss and never hit anything. I've seen a few times where new shooter starts with stationary clay on the ground, gets used to pointing the gun, gets used to the trigger and recoil, then before you know it they're hitting moving targets.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6499096 10/17/16 04:48 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 659
N
Nitro27 Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
N
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 659
Remington 1100 28 gauge with the stock cut down.
start shooting at low #7(skeet field)

Last edited by Nitro27; 10/17/16 04:50 PM.
Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6499133 10/17/16 05:16 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,136
D
Dalee7892 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
D
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,136
I started with single 410 then graduated to 16 then to 12. Still have them from back then 1960, 10 year old then.

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6499148 10/17/16 05:21 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
C
ChadTRG42 Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
C
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
My son is 11, and he has shot both a Browning youth semi auto and Mossberg 500 youth and both in 20 gauge. Recoil did not bother him, and he liked the semi auto much better (of course!). I got him the mild ammo that was not top speed, and it did fine for him.

I wouldn't let him shoot my 12 gauge, as it would be too much recoil for him.


[Linked Image]
Custom and Precision Ammunition!!
https://DallasReloads.com/
Type 01 and Type 06 FFL
Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6499213 10/17/16 06:00 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,766
P_102 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,766
Definitely prefer the 28 guage. I was once asked to teach a friends son who he'd given a .410 (single shot, full choke)
to and he couldn't hit a thing....imagine that. With a little advice and my 28 with open chokes he was hitting most of
the targets we threw (pretty much straight away for a beginner). A youth model 28, in my mind, is the perfect beginners gun if you don't mind the cost of the shells...if you reload, which is a great hobby for a father and child, you can save a bundle and have a great time together. P_102


Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6499334 10/17/16 07:17 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
B
booradley Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
B
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
I like 28 gauge shotguns but don't like the cost of 28 gauge ammunition.


Don’t roll those bloodshot eyes at me.
Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #6499350 10/17/16 07:22 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
B
booradley Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
B
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
A 12 gauge single shot with the stock cut down. That way they'll get the most shot in the air in a lightweight, easy to carry package. peep


From his emoji(or whatever it's called), I get the impression he was kidding.


Don’t roll those bloodshot eyes at me.
Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6499356 10/17/16 07:27 PM
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 28
S
Senik Offline
Light Foot
Offline
Light Foot
S
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 28
you considered the option of the 410?

Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6499358 10/17/16 07:28 PM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,655
C
colt45-90 Offline
Texas colt45
Offline
Texas colt45
C
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,655
I just shake my head and wonder, 12ga for a 10yr, 20ga's don't kick. flush


hold on Newt, we got a runaway
Re: Shotgun for kids?? [Re: Nick1] #6500138 10/18/16 03:40 AM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 56
J
jfdawson Offline
Outdoorsman
Offline
Outdoorsman
J
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 56
I went through this decision with my 9 yr old son this year. He's a big kid, but wanted to get into hunting and go with dad, etc.. Academy has some small 20g solutions that I looked at. I ended up with a Benelli Compact Nova 20g. It's 6.lbs and has a shorter stock. It's still a little large for him to handle and swing, but I let him shoot doves out of a tree, fence line, etc.. I'm hoping that next season he'll get stronger and we'll shoot some clays and get him used to it.

Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3