neillfrbs Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 hi am thinking of getting my little man his own shotgun ,he seems to be tagging along with me as much as the dog these days. just wondered what would be the best 410 or 20 gauge . 410 seems to be easier to handle, as they are quite small and light .but then lighters loads in the 20 might be better. interested to hear your views and experiences on getting your little chaps into shooting. thanks neill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickmep Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 you should also consider a 28 bore. one of my shooting buddies' lad has one which is a nice little gun. you need to consider the little mans size and avoid buying a gun which is too heavy for him. also be a bit wary of cut down stocks on guns, my daughter found if too much is removed it makes the gun barrel heavy, obviously you can weight the stock to overcome this but may make the gun too heavy for him in the process. ended up with a lightweight 20 bore for my then 14 year old daughter, using 21gramme carts, which seemed to work best for her, but she only shoots clays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 My grandson is 7 1/2 years old and has a 20 Hatsan auto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougall Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 Ok,is he a big 12 yr old? started my kids on 28gauge at @ 11yrs at clay ground, bought them 20gs for 14th birthdays, once I knew they were up for it/into shooting. recently for godson who is 7 bought a 410. 410 with small cartridges almost nil recoil.. I have only gone 410 because godson so small I think if can handle a 20g with 21gram shells way to go as it will be a gun can use forever...It is vital that 1st few shots do not hurt/gun is not too heavy. I would also STRONGLY recommend that he has a go with a coach at a clay ground as a coach will instill confidence get him hitting stuff/have suitable gun to start with. It is not easy as a Dad to teach own child initially(my experience and watching other Dads)......You will never forget their faces when they open their own shotgun. special memories. ATB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neillfrbs Posted August 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 hi guys thanks for your views ,have not given the 28 a thought could be a winner he is quite a stocky chap plays rugby ,he has shot my a400 with 32gram did kick a bit but it did not put him off he wanted another go but gun just to big and bulky for him .as has been said might be worth taking him for a lesson at mendip shooting ground . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 If he is that big, he could easily handle a 20 gauge. A lot more common and cheaper than 28 gauge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flynny Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 (edited) If he is that big, he could easily handle a 20 gauge. A lot more common and cheaper than 28 gauge.I agree 20 gauge, just that the carts are more expensive than a 12 gauge, Atb Flynny Edited August 30, 2013 by flynny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 28 bore or if he's big enough get a 20 it will last longer. I had a 12 at 13 but I was 6" and 13 stone so bigger than some wee men still got it now. I thought a 12 year old who uses an old 12 bore Beretta game gun he was a big robust lad and used light loads in a light 12 it'll last him a lifetime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neillfrbs Posted August 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 thanks guys for your input am going out pigeon shooting tomorrow over rape stubble with a mate he is bringing along a sxs 28 bore which I did not no he even had ,he might even get his first kill. Have to let a few land around the decoys let him have a pop .if there's any about that is . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
la bala Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 my lad started with a 20, ideal gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 The gauge of the gun will depend on the size and upper body strength of the user. I work with a number of youngsters and have learned never to pre judge. If their stomach sticks out further than their feet, and their head is further back then their bum the gun is too heavy. Use a coach, it takes out the guess work and allows you to enjoy the child's first day shooting, plus of course they will listen to the coach Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aris Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 Use a coach, it takes out the guess work and allows you to enjoy the child's first day shooting, plus of course they will listen to the coach Spoken with experience! I'm going to bring my younger lad to you for his first go :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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