I want to get my son a shotgun. He has shot several pigs/deer with a 6.8 spc AR and loves that. What’s nice is that it has a collapsible stock that be fitted for him. He’s 9 and the youth models are just too long. He shot his cousins youth 11-87 Remington in 20 gauge. He said it kicked a little bit too much, but I think it just isn’t fitting him correctly. He is stout so his LOP is probably a lot less than others. Anyway, Any suggestions? Anything you’ve done? Any recommendations on a shotgun?
I’ve got a 20 gauge Mossberg “youth” model that I’m pretty happy with. “500C” is the model number. I’ve introduced many a small framed woman or kid to shotguns with it. I’ve had kids as young as 10 behind it, and they did fine, but they were inexperienced shooters. If your boy has that much experience I’d expect it to be just fine for him.
Remington 870 20ga or similar Mossberg outfitted with a collapsing stock from Mesa Tactical etc.
Also, you might look into Knoxx stocks. They make several stocks with recoil reducing mechanisms that may help him out. It should be noted I’ve never used any of their products as I have no need for them, but you might find some use in it.
FYI- Remington makes youth AND compact youth models which are even shorter. Make sure he is handling the smaller of the two which should measure 12" LOP (trigger to end of stock). It is also very easy to trim off “X” inches and refit the recoil pad, I did this for my little cousin and it worked great.
Remington 870 Express Jr. In 20 gauge. My son opens it tomorrow. 18.5" bbl and shorter length of pull than the youth. It’s also adjustable.
I’m sure the adjustable stocks are a more tidy option, but I’d consider picking up a cheap old 20 gauge and “customizing” it to fit with a saw. It is just a starter gun; he can move on in a few years.
My ten year old and his new 870 Jr. On 20 GA. He made me proud with his muzzle control Christmas morning!
Nice gift. The jr. model is great for kids. I went shooting last weekend with my friend had four of his kids (ages 8 to 16) and their 870 jr worked pretty well for all but the 16 year old (who is a 6’4" 220 lb. QB killing monster). His and my ARs fit all of them with some stock adjustments though and the .22 conversion kit was great for the younger ones.
It is a great thing as a father to introduce your son to firearms. My son is one now and I can’t wait to give him a gun on Christmas in a few years.
Honestly I think I enjoyed it more than he did. It was awesome. He is my hunting buddy.
Get a full size replacement butt stock. Remove the butt plate and drill 2 1/4" holes as far down the stock as you can. The you cut the stock down 1" at a time. As the boy grows you can reattach the cut off slices using dowels in the holes to make sure everything is properly aligned. This way you only buy one stock and it can grow as he does.