Recommendations: 1st shotgun for 13yo?

[Blackdog765]

What would you recommend as a first shotgun for a 13 year old boy? Currently I have an H&R Topper Model 158 12ga - but it's got a pretty stout kick.

We would be using it for the occasional hunting of rabbit, squirrel, or similar.

I was thinking 20 gauge... Someone recommended 410 to me, but that seems underwhelming.

I kind of like the idea of a single shot, but maybe that would grow old as he grew older? And finally, he's not the most gentle on things - so I'm not looking for something heirloom quality. Sturdy, durable, proven, run-of-the-mill shotgun. Thanks.

 

[Mr.JAG]

How big is the kid? I'd say at 13, he should be seriously close to being able to manage a 12 gauge just fine.

If you go with something smaller, he is probably going to want to move up rather quickly.

Personally, I'd look at a Remington 870 Express youth model.

It's pretty much identical to the standard 870, but it has a shorter LOP stock (for smaller arms). It's also very easy to upgrade to a standard stock if your sons size requires. Not to mention, it's an 870... he would almost have to be the hulk to destroy it.

The gauge is up to you.

 

[melensdad]

I'd be searching for a 20 gauge shotgun for him.

Look at a CZ Over/Under 20 gauge. They are modestly priced, built very well. They have quite a few models from basic to very fancy, stick with the basic models and you can't go wrong. It will be a gun he can use for the next 50 years.

Stoeger makes a basic 20 gauge O/U as well, I don't think it balances or swings as well as the CZ but they are even cheaper. Mossberg also makes a 20 gauge O/U, I think its called the Silver Series.

 

[tom1025]

I was 10 yearsold when my dad bought me my first Mossberg 500 12 gauge. Just remember they heavier the gun the less kick its going to have. Plus if your son is 13 he is probably going to have a growth spurt or two so I would get something he can grow into.

 

[RGriff69]

Remington 870 youth 20 gauge is what I bought for my son.

Doesn't Mossberg have a youth model 500 that comes with bigger butt pads to lengthen the lop as the child grows?

 

[tom1025]

I bougbt my wife a Mossberg 535 and it came with a tactical stock. It has four or five adjustable positions.

 

[Hammer]

My vote is for an H&R topper in 20ga. I got one as my first gun in 1975 and will still use it. Shoots great and has great sentimental value to me because it is my first gun.

 

[ederue]

I'm doing the same - really leaning to the 20 ga. the .410 just doesn't have the capability. Mossburg makes a bantam model 500 with the combo barrels.

 

[bullet293]

remington 870 12 guage will last him a lifetime.

 

[cesna250]

i say get a full size 12 gauge. He'll grow into it soon enough.

 

[Stainer]

I'm going to go with the full size 870 in either 12 or 20. My dad got me a full size 20 when I was a little younger than that. I still deer hunt with it every year. Get him one he can use for the rest of his life.

 

[grouse08]

remington 870 12 guage will last him a lifetime.

yep, pretty hard to beat that.

 

[grouse08]

I'm going to go with the full size 870 in either 12 or 20. My dad got me a full size 20 when I was a little younger than that. I still deer hunt with it every year. Get him one he can use for the rest of his life.

Ive been shooting managed recoil slugs in my 12 gauge. I believe my 10 yearl old could handle it

 

[loony1]

remington 870 12 guage will last him a lifetime.

This......I got mine when I was 13 and it's still my favorite shotty I own.

 

[singlesix]

My son moved to a 12 at 12 yo.

 

[Stainer]

Ive been shooting managed recoil slugs in my 12 gauge. I believe my 10 yearl old could handle it

Good for your 10 year old. I was simply stating that either caliber would be fine, but he should get a full size stock not a youth stock.

 

[Libertarian01]

To Blackdog765,

I do believe I would push the .410 for a while.

There are two (2) reasons for this.

Reason #1) Light recoil for someone who is younger. Even IF he can handle the heavier recoil of a larger bore the light recoil will be a bit less taxing.

Reason #2) It will FORCE him to take his time and be more accurate! I wouldn't want him with his first personally owned firearm to just believe in "spraying the countryside" with shot, but rather to take his time and learn the patience of control with a smaller grouping.

Once he learns the patience and skill of accuracy then I would feel much more comfortable with him moving to a larger bore with greater spread.

Just my and I hope it helps.

Regards,

Doug

 

[Cerberus]

My runt of a son handles recoil pretty well. He shoots any of my full power bolt rifles with ease and loves my .45-70. He's been shooting Mausers and Mosin Nagants since he was 11. I bought a 20ga 870 youth for him to use when we go hunting and he likes it. I even find it a comfortable shooter even with it's slightly shorter stock.

 

[chezuki]

Can't go wrong with a Mossberg 500 bantam. The finish is ten times more durable than a Remington .

Sigh, here we go…

 

[03A3]

I'm going to split the difference and suggest the 16 gauge.
CZ has the 201 and 202 SxS double barrels which be a good combo for a youngster.
I grew up hunting with my Great Grandfathers 16 gauge. I was real young and pretty small but got along with it quite well. A good SxS handles well and carries light.
The O/U mentioned earlier would be a good choice too.
Also checkout the Browning BPS Upland special. They have one or more with the straight stock that are really good looking guns and any young hunter would be proud to have one. The 16 gauge version is made on the 20 gauge receiver, not 12 gauge, so you would be getting a true 16 gauge pump gun.
The 16 is often overlooked but it is an excellant cartridge. And as far as ammo availability I've heard people bring it up but I've never found it to be true.