Help with shotgun for my son.

[TJR]

Hey guys. I'm looking for a turkey gun for my son to get started with. He is 8 and I'm hoping to find something he can grow with. Seeing if anyone has some experiences they could share such as pros and cons of certain options out there. Please keep in mind we are very budget minded so guns such as the M2 are a little out of our price range. Thanks.


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[Cumberland]

Bought mine a Mossberg 510 in 20 gauge. He had been shooting an old H&R single shot in 20.
He is 8 as well. I plan to have him shoot the 2 3/4 Federal HW#7s in the Mossberg this spring.
I started him out with some very light hand loads in the H&R and worked up from there. He is not bothered by the recoil and loves shooting.

[Swampchickin234]

To be budget minded, I would look around at local shops on the used rack and try to find a youth model 870     Or buy a new 870, mossy 510, mossy 500 youth.  Mossberg will have a coupon in the box with the youth model that you can send in and get an adult size stock as he grows. I would shoot fed hw7 11/8 2/34 for starters.  If you watch the distance and know you're limits, 2-3/4 71/2 lead will stomp em too. If you feel you want the gun in camo but don't want to pay for it, try the mossy oak gun kit.   22 bucks on amazon and I love all of mine.  If you'll be patient you can build a sweet little rig that you're boy will love for an affordable price. Good luck, and post pics when ya get it!  Ps, have had good luck with the hs undertaker choke, true glo ssx, and primos tightwad. All very reasonable priced to


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[Philippe]

Used Moss 500 youth or H&R Topper Jr

[born2hunt]

This is my first year with the youth hunting as well. I have looked at a pile of guns and the Mossy pumps and 870 will be your cheapest/ versatile choices. To me their age has zero to do with it, because all kids are different. So depending on how your youngster handles recoil (and only you will know) you could also go with a Semi auto.
My daughter turned 9 this month, she loves the woods and is wanting to go but she is very recoil shy. I wanted to get her into a 20g without making things worse so I picked up a Mossberg sa-20 for her to try. It was  a little more money but the gas action really does help and its been worth every penny so far. I put a set of Fire sights on it and it has been perfect for her. It shoots super soft with 3/4 and 7/8 loads and she has had a blast busting coke cans with it . The only hunting load I have tried is 2 3/4 HEVI #6s (Witch she wont see until there's a turkey involved)  and with the factory full choke it puts up a nice even 125-130 in 10 at 30 yards witch is great for the ranges she will be shooting.
Good luck with the decision for your  boy and have fun with it, I know I am...

[perrytrails]

I went through this with my kids when they were younger. It's a shame there aren't more choices, and I would have thought by now, ten years later there would be.

I went the H&R 20 ga route, loaded 3/4 oz loads to get them shooting. Hacked off the stock and saved the two pieces to run wood screws in later as they grow. A slip on recoil pad was also used.

I guess Remington 870 youth and mossy 500 youth are still your best options cost wise. They are threaded and I'll say the 500 is drilled and tapped.
A red dot sight works well for kids also,  just to consider








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[Danny1030]

Remington also makes a 20ga 870 called a "Compact Jr."  It has a shorter stock than the youth model and a 21 inch barrel. It comes with 2 spacers and the screws to add them to the butt stock. With the spacers added the stock ends up being the same length as the youth model stock. Really just depends on what fits best.

[J Brown]

Just bought my son a Mossburg  Bantam turkey  it come with an extra full choke 22 in barrel and a stock extension LOP is 12 to 13 in.   It came drilled and tap ready to attach a red dot scope.   

[buckslayer70]

I bought a mossberg super bantam in 20ga last year for my (then) 6 yr old son. He killed his first bird with it last year. The stock's lop can be adjusted with the extra stock inserts that come with the gun. It can also be purchased in a combo set with a rifled slug barrel, if you deer hunt and have the need for it.

[3.5inchpainfulldeath]

I bought my boy a Mossberg 500 super bantam.  he handles it well, it comes with stock extenders and when he is old enough to handle a full stock, you can call Mossberg and request a full size stock.  My son is 10, 8 when I bought it.  I let him shoot light load 2 3/4 inch shells out of it a bunch, even "fake" patterning it.  I actually patterned the gun with 3 in loads.  He never new the difference when he pulled the trigger on an actual 3 in round when staring a bird in the face.

[Bowguy]

Wow you're getting great advice. Two things I'll mention as things to consider. The recoil sensitivity can be a problem for kids. A semi can def help that. The disadvantage is they are much heavier than a pump. If the child is tiny and can comfortably shoot the semi it's wasted energy getting it.
If you load, you can start with real light loads, stay within the data but load em light. And use two sets of hearing protectors. One inside the ears, one out.
Lots of kids seem less sensitive w less BANG

[Assault]

Hey guys. I'm looking for a turkey gun for my son to get started with. He is 8 and I'm hoping to find something he can grow with. Seeing if anyone has some experiences they could share such as pros and cons of certain options out there. Please keep in mind we are very budget minded so guns such as the M2 are a little out of our price range. Thanks.


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the youth 20 gauge ESCORT are very nice guns. Borge daughters have one 11/12..... Have had them for almost a year.... Just cleaned them 2 weeks ago...... Used them all thru duck season and squirrel season


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[Assault]

This is my first year with the youth hunting as well. I have looked at a pile of guns and the Mossy pumps and 870 will be your cheapest/ versatile choices. To me their age has zero to do with it, because all kids are different. So depending on how your youngster handles recoil (and only you will know) you could also go with a Semi auto.
My daughter turned 9 this month, she loves the woods and is wanting to go but she is very recoil shy. I wanted to get her into a 20g without making things worse so I picked up a Mossberg sa-20 for her to try. It was  a little more money but the gas action really does help and its been worth every penny so far. I put a set of Fire sights on it and it has been perfect for her. It shoots super soft with 3/4 and 7/8 loads and she has had a blast busting coke cans with it . The only hunting load I have tried is 2 3/4 HEVI #6s (Witch she wont see until there's a turkey involved)  and with the factory full choke it puts up a nice even 125-130 in 10 at 30 yards witch is great for the ranges she will be shooting.
Good luck with the decision for your  boy and have fun with it, I know I am...

i agree... I started my girls off on a moss 510 20gauge... Huge mistake! That lil think bucks like a mule!


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[TJR]

Update. Bringing this one back from the dead. So last season we decided to hold off for a year or so with my son. Back looking for a first shotgun for him now. I found a great deal on a 20 gauge H&R Topper Jr.  Doing some research it seems some say the recoil is pretty stout with the lightweight of the gun which I could see. Anyone have any experience with these and kids?


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[owlhoot]

Single shots like that kick like a mule. If that don't bother your kid your good.
An 870 with the new , good pads would be alot better.
The 1100/1187 with a 21" barrel 20 gauge is a very heavy gun and recoils even less.
Weight can be your friend. If the kid needs help holding it up, buy a tripod for steady shooting.