Youth shotgun

ndweimer

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So last year I helped coach a youth high school trap team and had an amazing time. This year my oldest daughter is eligible to shoot, so I am in search of a shotgun to buy her. The problem is she is tiny for her age. I am thinking 20 ga. and possibly semi-auto to help with recoil. Some of the models that intrigue me are the Cz with adjustable length of pull, Tri-Star, and Escort. These models are all fairly light, have short length of pull and reasonably priced for an auto. My question is, do any of you have any experience with these shotguns? I am reluctant to go with a pump, as my 870 has plenty of recoil compared to some of the autos I have shot. What are your thoughts?

If any of your children attend a school that offers the clay target league, I would encourage you to get involved. What an awesome program.
 


nodakex

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After being involved with the youth trapshooting in MN for several years, I can tell you the consensus is to buy a semi-auto 12, softer recoil than a pump, and you can always shoot lighter loads. The 20 is just not enough gun if she gets serious about it. I know, I bought by grand-daughter a youth pump 20 last year for the ND youth shooting, it is not the right shotgun!
 

ndweimer

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I see your thinking, but also have 2 younger daughters that could also start with the 20 ga. Just don't want there first shotgun to be hard to handle. I haven't seen much for 12 ga. that offer the same lightweight and length of pull that my daughter will need. What would you recommend for a semi-auto? I like the youth Benelli, but not sure I want to throw that kind of money out there if she decides she doesn't like it. That is why the others I mentioned above intrigue me.


After being involved with the youth trapshooting in MN for several years, I can tell you the consensus is to buy a semi-auto 12, softer recoil than a pump, and you can always shoot lighter loads. The 20 is just not enough gun if she gets serious about it. I know, I bought by grand-daughter a youth pump 20 last year for the ND youth shooting, it is not the right shotgun!
 

wby257

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My two youngest boy started out with the Tradition SLS 2100 12 ga youth mds. They were shooting them at 10 yrs old and not one jam up or failure at all. Its a semi auto and with there small frame it never bothered the recoil system.

Check them out
 

Ericb

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I have a tristar semi. Its been a great gun for the price. I can actually get it to cycle quicker than the saiga. My son has shot a youth 870 20g the last 2 years. Ill probably be looking just like you come spring. The lighter youth frames will have more felt recoil than the heavier frames.
 


nodakex

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I've been helping with scoring and fund raising, have seen all kinds but don't know if there is a preference, will ask one of the coaches. One of them told me the semi was far easier for them to shoot than a pump, and always go 12 gauge, don't know about youth models or not but will find out.
 

svnmag

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This is a nice 20. 7/8oz of shot will bust clays fine.

- - - Updated - - -

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-redhead-premier-reduced-length-20-gauge-24-barrels-13-lop/

- - - Updated - - -

I believe the weight coupled with light loads would be ideal. Another plus is the simplicity.

I agree with the 12ga concept but would seriously consider this. The 20 is not a handicap.

cz-usa-cz-redhead-premier-500x333.png
 
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johnr

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I made the mistake of purchasing a youth single shot .410, sonsabitches does that light gun kick. My daughter who has broken her big toe twice, her collar bone, and 2 bones in her foot, with little to now tears, cried when she shot that gun for the first time...

I would not recommend this little "youth gun" for anyone
 

RRmaniac

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I believe Browning has some sort of a system that starts with a youth size shotgun and can be converted to full size as the kid gets older. It may be giving discounted full-size stocks later on.

12 Gauge is the only way to go in my opinion. As long as you know how to hold it properly the recoil won't be bad at all.

I have been shooting 12 gauge since I was 11 or 12. Since I was small for my age (5' 100 lbs or so) I was scared at first but it was no where near as bad as I thought it would be.
 
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Retired Educator

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Don't have a recommendation on brand or model of gun. Do have a thought on 20ga vs 12ga. Can't argue that a serious trapshooter will want to shoot the 12ga. On the other hand, for a beginner the handling of a 20ga would seem to be a benefit.

For me, I own both a 20ga and a 12ga. Use the 12ga for big geese, turkeys, etc. Love the 20ga for upland game, ducks and smaller game birds .I'm thinking that a 20ga will not be wasted as I love mine (an O/U) for walking while hunting. If you purchase a youth gun it would be a real benefit to easily switch stocks to an adult size.

You might not be thinking about 2 guns at this stage in her life and you don't need 2 now. It is something to think about in the future.
 

SDMF

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12ga 7/8oz via gas operated semi-auto is a cream-puff, IF said shooter can actually handle the physical weight of the shotgun.

Beretta bleeds off more gas than the rest = less recoil.

My girls will start off with Beretta 391 20's w/24' bbls.
 

nodakex

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One of the youth leaders says they have a few that start with 20 gauges, but most switch to 12's by the end of the year. He likes the used Remington 1100 or 1187, or the Winchester super x 3, some have stoegers that hold up well, but there are always parts for the remingtons. Our club started 4 years ago with 42 students, had 92 this last spring. One of the things we do is provide the targets free of charge, which is why we have to do a little fund raising, did not anticipate it getting this big. We have both fall and spring league, and last year had 4 girls in the top 10 in Minnesota. Its interesting once they shoot a few rounds how well they do. I shot next to a 13 year old in regular league the night she got her first 25, the excitement and enthusiasm is incredible. She told me the first night of youth when she started she had a 4 and a 6. You don't want them to get discouraged. Sure the 20 will break targets, but they will get a bird or two more with the 12, and a light youth 20 has too short a barrel and kicks every bit as much as a semi-auto 12.
 

svnmag

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I highly recommend this book sir. It may change some of your opinions:

th
 

espringers

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The worst gun for recoil that is in my house is my wife's double barrel 28 Guage. The 2nd worst is a single shot 20. Don't need to mention it's cause the guns are just too damn light.
 


cooter00

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Get her a TriStar semi 28gauge I have a friend I helped start his daughter out she is got good at knocking clays down took her out for birds and she had no problem knocking them down I think it's perfect for the light framed youngengs you won't be dissatisfied
 

fly2cast

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I bought my son a 20 gauge semi auto Stoeger. Cost about $450 new. We like the gun a lot. The reason we went with a 20 instead of a 12 gauge is the weight. It only weighs a little over 5 lbs. It's much easier to point-and-shoot and to carry in the field. It's dropped it's share of clay pigeons and game. This is our first experience with a semi-auto and so we don't have much to compare it to but we like it. I actually like taking this out in the field hunting when my son isn't with. It's more fun to shoot than my 12 gauge pump.

I won't say it has less kick than any other gun. It's just lighter than just about any adult size shotgun.
 

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