Youth Shotgun Question

TheSwampFox · Jan 29, 2013

My little brother is 12 years old and wants a 20 gauge pump action shotgun. I was planning on getting him one to use and then gift it to him when he gets old enough to own it. My question is if I get him a youth model can he switch out the stock with a regular stock in few years when he out grows it? I assume that would be possible but I've never tried it so I have no idea.

I'm looking at getting him a Remington 870 youth model or maybe a Mossberg 500. Anybody have any other suggestions? I'm looking at spending around $350.

I see the NEF Pardner Pumps are not expensive but I want to get one that will reliably last a good long time. Any opinions on those?

Tigerstripe · Jan 29, 2013

i bought my wife an 870 youth 20ga pump. i wouldnt worry about him outgrowing it. i took hers to a gunsmith and had it "adjusted " for slugs. its really accurate. still shoots birdshot.

what i mean is i love shooting slugs with it and i have long arms. perfect for a kid. he will never get rid of it if you get him one ,even a youth.

Midnight Raver · Jan 29, 2013

And perhaps he may pass it down to one of his own children somme day!

HarperJt · Jan 31, 2013

A friend of mine bought the 870 for his two boys ages 9 and 11 and they love them

007SC · Jan 31, 2013

Some models of youth size guns have modular sections you can add or remove to the stock, giving you flexibility to change the length of pull. Adjustable, as the child grows.

gwmac · Feb 18, 2013

SwampFox
If you are still in the market, I'd recommend the Mossberg 500 Super Bantam. Adjustable stock, and shorter factory barrels offering good balance in a 20 ga.
A less expensive 870, so to speak.

TheSwampFox · Feb 18, 2013

Yeah I'm looking high and low for either a Mossberg or Remington. I haven't had time to go to any shops but all the classified adds I have responded to have fallen through. I just posted a want add on this forum and should get around to a few shops today to see whats in stock. Thanks for all the input.

TheSwampFox · Feb 24, 2013

I went by Trader World yesterday and they had a gently used Winchester 1300 20 gauge for $299 so I picked it up. It barely looks used at all. I'm pretty happy with it and I think my brother will be thrilled with it.

Midnight Raver · Feb 24, 2013

That's a nice one, he wil love it!

Avtomat-Acolyte · Feb 24, 2013

My hands are shaking just looking at that mile-long barrel. Your brother will like the shotgun a whole lot more if you cut the barrel flush with the magazine so that the gun is easier to move and shoot.

Midnight Raver · Feb 24, 2013

Uhm, he's 12? Most likely he will be learning about trap shooting and bird hunting with it at this stage.

Avtomat-Acolyte · Feb 24, 2013

Midnight Raver said:
Uhm, he's 12? Most likely he will be learning about trap shooting and bird hunting with it at this stage.

His age and size are the main reason why I think the gun would be more functional with a shorter barrel. You could replace it with a longer one when you need distance.

TheSwampFox · Feb 25, 2013

This is the first 20 gauge I have actually handled and I'm surprised at how light weight it is even with the 28" barrel. Where he lives there is plenty of room for "maneuvers." Besides I think the ATF would reject his SBS paperwork