what is the best type of shotgun to get for my cousin who is 13?

Question

what gauge should i get? plz help

Answer 1

What is his/her level of shooting experince?

The Mossberg Pumps are nice, since the extractor/avacenment assembly doen't have that annoying flap that the Remingtons have which make for nasty jams.

20 gauge would be right for that age, the 16 are sweet shooting guns, but they can be troublesome when shopping for ammo.

If they've never been around to many guns before, you may want to consider an over/under or side by side double barrel. They are so much easier to check for safety and great starter guns that will last a lifetime. I still take my first gun ever (.410 double when I was 9) out for skeet every now and again to relive the "good old days"

Answer 2

Personally, I'd say it depends on your cousins size, prior experience, and knowledge of firearms.

I am assuming your cousin is newer at shooting.

Personally, I'd recommend a 20 gauge shotgun. The recoil is very tolerable with someone who has minimal shooting experience.

I would opt for a single barrel break action shotgun. Why?

First, they are cheap (you can get one for under $150 the last time I saw one). If your cousin doesn't take to shooting or hunting, you aren't out much money

Second, they are light and have a nice balance. Many younger hunters and shooters don't have the attention span and determination as many older hunters. When I was 13, I got tired carrying the same rifle I carry today with no problem. The one I used to borrow shouldered nicely and was pleasent to carry.

Third, it helps promote safe, effective shooting techniques. Some people who are just beginning to shoot get the idea if they have 3 shots, they don't need to take the time to aim and place the first shot well since they have two more. If they have one shot, it helps them concentrate and make that shot count.

A 20 ga. will do fine for most bird hunting and hunting big game. A 12 ga would be a little better, but the recoil can get pretty stiff, even for experienced shooters. Personally, I've been shooting 28 years and my 12 ga. with 3 inch sabot slugs kicks about as hard as anything I have ever shot (the first time I shot those slugs, I underestimated the amound of recoil involved and the shotgun jumped a bit off of the rest and hit me in the mouth. I was surprised I had all my teeth intact...that was my own stupidity though)

Good Luck! Thanks for encouraging another shooter/hunter to join our ranks

Answer 3

I may get bashed for posting this, but I would recommend that you check out this website: http://www.shotgunworld.com
I think a gas operated 20 gauge would be good, since recoil would be much reduced. What does he plan to do with the gun(sporing clays or hunting)? What price range? You have to consider all of the above when you decide what you want to buy. If all you are doing is hunting, then You can even get a 12 gauge. I shot my first 12 gauge when i was 14, and it was for 2 rounds of sporting clays(50 shots), and I had no trouble(shooting a remmington 1187 with gas operated). If he is big enough(cause I know 13 year olds that weigh 70 lbs and are 5' tall, and 13 year olds that weigh 120 lbs and are 5'8") then he can shoot anything.
When shooting with a gas operated shotgun, the recoil is minimal. Take him to your local gun shop, and see what he is comfortable with. I don't recommend going any smaller than a 20 gauge.

Answer 4

It depends on the boy. I gave my youngest a little Savage-Stevens 311 side-by-side in 20 bore, but I could very easily have given him a 12-bore, and finally wound up handing down to him a Citori 12. He's always been pretty well impervious to recoil.
By the way, a 410 is NOT a beginners' gun. It's for experienced specialists only. It's a very common mistake, but a mistake nonetheless. If a kid is too sensitive to handle a 20 guage, a 28 is a better choice than 410.

Answer 5

A 20 gauge Mossberg 500 would be ideal. A 20 is lighter than a 12, but still can be used for skeet and some hunting. It's not nearly as pathetic as a .410, but is still reasonable to fire. Stay away from 870s as the single extractor may give him trouble, and he's more likely to have trouble pumping it for each shot.

Answer 6

i got my first 20 gauge when i was 9 they are excelent starter guns mine was a remington 870 i have never had a single problum out it is a great skeet and turkey and duck gun for his age of it and the only resion i dont shoot it is i have although if he is 13 and he shoots guns pretty regular then i would say he would out grow this gun within a couple of years a remington 870 20 gauge youth model is a very good all around gun and not all that expensive

Answer 7

20 or 16 a 12 will knock him on his a** or blow his shoulder out. but i think a 20 gauge would be ideal if he is stronger id say a 16 its nice but 12 is a tad big..

Answer 8

A .410 is best for learning. The kick won't scare a beginner.

Answer 9

agree with the first Thread I bought my kid a Mossberg youth model now that he has outgrown it you can take the certificate that comes with it and get a full size butt stock. the forend is dropped back so it accomdates smaller arms..

Answer 10

20 guage is a nice gun, light but still capable of being used for hunting and skeet.