doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Youth gun?

Gomiata,
Despite the fact we're on a double gun website, I'd vote for a 20 ga. auto as well. I'm blessed with covey of grandchildren, all nicely spaced about four years apart. I bought 2 Remington LT 20's, put a plastic youth stock on one, left the other with the original wood. I was lucky, one had an Imp. Cyl. fixed coke, the other a modified. Giving the little guys every possible opportunity for success, I barreled the youth gun with the I.C. I figure I'll be able to supply the covey for the next 15 years! My eldest grand daughter is 13, just about big enough to graduate to the full sized gun. Shooting 3/4 oz. #8 loads, these little autos have virtually no recoil and still break targets with amazing regularity. A real plus is a long plug making the youth gun a single shot, the kids are taught the action is either open and safe or closed and loaded. If you saw me shoot you'd know I shouldn't get into an arguement with anyone over the virtues of a single sighting plane vs. a s/s, but I believe it is easier to learn
An added benefit has been my daughter, who never took up shooting, has a ball shooting with her daughter! Whatever your decision, encourage those little guys to get out and try the shooting sports, our hobby needs an infusion of youth.

gomiata: Most of this advice is where I was headed as well. I chose a 20-ga. auto for my son, after considering every option available and asking a lot of questions here first. I too am a fan of the 28-ga., but the 20 offers more bang for the buck in many ways: cheaper, easier to find ammo in greater variety; more pellets; more guns to choose from at lower prices. The 20-ga. auto absorbs most recoil and, as a bonus, will take a 3-in. waterfowl or turkey load. Set your youngster up with a better gun once shooting has become fun. Food for thought. TT

I bought a Stoeger 28 SxS. It was a basic A&D BLNE. It had good dimensions and was a fun/cheap intro into SxS and 28. Maybe a wholesaler still has some around. I had to ask my dealer to order it. I don't know if it is still made.
Joe

I found a youth model Browning Citori O/U 20-ga for my son when he was about 8 years old. He handled the recoil just fine. The biggest reason was the gun fit him well. Shorter stock, Shorter barrels (24"), had choke tubes and still weighd about 6+ lbs. He hunted that gun untill he just out grew it.

Bill G.

Gomita: I PMd you about two 28 gauge guns that I have FS. I don't know if you received it. Both are HUGLU ARMSCO guns. One is a SxS like new the other is an O&U NIB. My dad started me out with a Fox Sterlingworth & I have been a double gun lover ever since. I did the same with my son & although he shoots an auto sometimes he loves his doubles. It's about tradition & personal preference.

Just My Humble Opinion.........George