Shot gun for an 12 year old??

[JasonG]

My son is wanting to get into shooting clays and maybe bird hunting.He is 5'5" 110 pounds. I'm looking for any good suggestions on guns for him. 12 or 20 gauge. I was thinking pump action to start out? Thanks Jason

[highside74]

Remington 870 20g compact. Bought one for my son at 11 and he does just fine.

Unless he is growing like a weed. Then you might not have to many years with the compact.

[CP]

I suggest you go with a full size gun with adjustable LOP (shims, etc.).  Otherwise he will grow out very quickly.

A pump is not ideal for clay shooting, a break action would be a better choice either single or double barreled.

[pianoman9701]

Budget? Sounds like a pretty big 12 year old. As stated above, he's going to grow fast. Is he strong for his age? If so, get him a good 12G, one that's not going to beat his shoulder to pieces. My first was a Mossberg 500 and I didn't like shooting it because it kicked the crap out of my shoulder. No reason not to go semi if he's going to use it for bird hunting, unless your budget is allowing something top shelf. Then, I'd agree with the break action.

[jasnt]

  my mossberg 930 12ga is very easy on the recoil compared to my pump or break action 20ga.

[mfswallace]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,204248.0.html. 

[Jpmiller]

Have him shoot a twelve gauge before you make a decision. My dad got me a twenty gauge 870 because I was terrified of the kick only to find out years later it wasn't anymore than my 308.

The 870 Is a great starter and forever gun.

[LEN]

I would go with an 1100 or new model REM 12 gauge Auto. Same recoil over longer time equal less felt recoil. If you reload 1 oz light loads and if you dont still 1 oz. As with any shotgun game its a lot of shots over a short time. And you have a gun for hunting loads.

LEN

[JDHasty]

Ithaca 37 20 ga from a pawn shop.   All Rotoforged barrels handle steel just fine unless they are full choked.