Dan73 Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Hi All, Just wanted to get some opinions here before I mention this to my 10 year old; He's been making the right noises about shooting since I let him start buttoning for me at my local clay shoot so I am considering getting another gun which he will be able to use - after a couple of lessons with an instructor. So, a slight twist on the eternal 'what gun?' question; -Do I go for a 20g (typically a lot more money than I have/want to pay) or -Do I go for a cheap O/U 26" 12g (can be a double trigger), have the stock cut down for him - then use 21gram carts. Couple of things to bear in mind: He is tall and strong (karate and rugby player) He is exceptionally sensible and respectful - I have no doubt that he already understands the importance of safety around firearms of any description. Personally I like option 2 as he can grow with the gun for 4/5 years at which time my 6 year old will be 10/11 and be able to use this, the 10 year old (then 14/15) can use my current gun and I can buy a new gun (I do enjoy forward planning ) Anyone used this method for introducing their kids to shooting? Thanks all Dan73 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Buy him a 12-bore with 28" barrels and get it re-stocked/lengthened as and when the need arises. I still shoot the 20-bore I was given when I was 9, although it's been restocked (it still feels like a little Oompa Loompa gun though). I had little input into the choice of gun, but the twenty was a fairly sensible decision on the basis that I grew up shooting live quarry, and needed a light gun to cart round the farm. As soon as I started shooting clays competitively, it became crystal clear that a 12-bore was necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christy_stone Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 At ur local clay ground ask if you can try a 12b that you would consider getting for him, if he can handle 50+ birds he will be fine. The thing to remember is that he will quickly get used to the weight and feel of the gun if he shoots regularly. I have always found the idea of a nice 20b very attractive but due to the general expense I would stick with a 28" 12b with 24g carts, if the worst came to the worst you could always sell it on without losing too much money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Couldnt he use one of your guns for a start just to see how he takes to it . I know he will do better with a properly fitted gun and its generally the recoil that put youg lads off ,so maybe a self loader in 20 bore . Harnser . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floating Chamber Posted June 24, 2009 Report Share Posted June 24, 2009 You can borrow my 12/20 inserts if you like! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan73 Posted June 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 12/20 inserts - now there's an idea!!! After thinking about this and reading the replies, a 12g with the stock cut to suit would be the best answer, coupled with lighter loads. I can also pick up a 12g o/u a lot cheaper than a 20g!!! Cheers all Dan73 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuji Shooter Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 (edited) If you make a good job of cutting it down you can sell it for way more than you paid for it. I got my lads first 12g for £50 off here and cut it to size. Sold it a year later for £200 and I have just noticed it's turned up again for £300 Only do it with older guns though. My lad recently talked me into chopping down an original Winchester 101 to 12" and I guess the value has now plummeted Edited June 26, 2009 by Freakmode Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 If he is physically able to handle a 12 bore, I would get one, perhaps a lighter model around the 6lb+ weight. He can also use 21gm , or 24 gm loads, which will reduce the recoil substantially. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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