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Shotgun for kids??
#6497977
10/16/16 09:55 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
Nick1
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6497985
10/16/16 10:12 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,088
Creedmoor
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498010
10/16/16 10:22 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,255
Hunt Dog
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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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498012
10/16/16 10:24 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
Nick1
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498033
10/16/16 10:36 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,255
Hunt Dog
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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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498044
10/16/16 10:41 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,933
gtrich94
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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
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498190
10/17/16 12:11 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,984
Buzzsaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,984 |
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
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498226
10/17/16 12:35 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,275
jeepercreeper
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2010
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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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498241
10/17/16 12:44 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287
scalebuster
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287 |
Try a H&R 20 gauge Topper Jr. Cheap and I think a single shot is safest.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498264
10/17/16 12:55 AM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 986
westexhunt
Tracker
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Tracker
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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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498285
10/17/16 01:08 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,424
jeffbird
Extreme Tracker
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Posts: 4,424 |
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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498680
10/17/16 11:50 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
booradley
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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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498695
10/17/16 12:16 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,252
jhenderson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,252 |
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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6498807
10/17/16 01:55 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179 |
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.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#6499035
10/17/16 04:11 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
THF Trophy Hunter
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Posts: 8,841 |
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. 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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: DocHorton]
#6499051
10/17/16 04:20 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,275
jeepercreeper
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,275 |
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. 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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6499096
10/17/16 04:48 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 659
Nitro27
Tracker
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Tracker
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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6499133
10/17/16 05:16 PM
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,140
Dalee7892
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,140 |
I started with single 410 then graduated to 16 then to 12. Still have them from back then 1960, 10 year old then.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6499148
10/17/16 05:21 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,954
ChadTRG42
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
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Posts: 18,954 |
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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6499213
10/17/16 06:00 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,775
P_102
Extreme Tracker
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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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6499334
10/17/16 07:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
booradley
Veteran Tracker
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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.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#6499350
10/17/16 07:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
booradley
Veteran Tracker
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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. From his emoji(or whatever it's called), I get the impression he was kidding.
Don’t roll those bloodshot eyes at me.
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6499356
10/17/16 07:27 PM
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 28
Senik
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 28 |
you considered the option of the 410?
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6499358
10/17/16 07:28 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,657
colt45-90
Texas colt45
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Texas colt45
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,657 |
I just shake my head and wonder, 12ga for a 10yr, 20ga's don't kick.
hold on Newt, we got a runaway
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Re: Shotgun for kids??
[Re: Nick1]
#6500138
10/18/16 03:40 AM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 56
jfdawson
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
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.
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