Teaching responsible firearm ownership is more important than ever today, and it all starts with early exposure to firearms as a youth. You can teach the basic principals of firearm safety and function on a full-sized firearm, but when it comes to learning how to properly handle a firearm, purchasing a youth model is best for the job. While there are plenty of youth model rifles on the market, arguably the best firearm to start a young sportsman or woman is a youth shotgun. We’ve picked out several youth shotguns at various price points that will be perfect for young or smaller framed hunters and clay shooters.
Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge
The Remington 870 Express is a popular choice for a a full-sized shotgun, and it only follows that it’s a prudent choice for a first youth shotgun as well. The 870 Express Compact has a shorter barrel and shorter stock to fit youth shooters, and it accommodates normal Remington Chokes so if you already own other 870 Choke tubes, you can use them on the compact version. This youth shotgun comes with a modified choke to start. The 870 Compact, like other Express models shoots both 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells. It is available with either a hardwood or synthetic stock, and if you choose the synthetic stock version, an additional length of pull system is included that can add up to another 1″ as the shooter grows.
This popular shotgun is also available in the 870 Express Jr. with a shorter barrel and lighter stock.
Specs: Barrel Length: 20″, Length Of Pull: 13″, Total Shotgun Length: 40 1/2″, Total Weight: 6 1/2 lbs.
Mossberg 500 Bantam Youth 12 Gauge Shotgun
The Mossberg 500 is right alongside the Remington 870 as the go-to first youth shotgun for shooters of all kinds, and the Mossberg 500 Bantam Youth is a perfect option for young hunters. Unlike most other youth shotguns listed here in either 20 gauge, the Mossberg 500 Bantam Youth is chambered in 12 gauge, which has both its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to youth model options. There is much more of an opportunity to grow into a 12 gauge shotgun and use it long term, but the additional recoil can be intimidating for some young shooters.
This youth shotgun is a little heavier and has a slightly longer barrel than the 870 Compact, but it’s length of pull is the same at 13″. This model shotgun won’t fire 3 1/2″ shells like most youth model shotguns, but it does come with more choke tube options like improved, modified and full. It too accommodates standard Mossberg chokes, but the three included chokes should take care of most situations. The Bantam Youth is available in both hardwood and synthetic stocks, and the choice of the synthetic stock adds an additional length of pull system.
Specs: Barrel Length: 24″, Length Of Pull: 13″, Total Shotgun Length: 42.625″, Total Weight: 7.25 lbs.
Mossberg 505 Youth 20 Gauge Shotgun
The Mossberg 505 Youth is a top-notch shotgun that’s an excellent choice for young shooters. Like its sibling, the Mossberg 500, it’s a reliable and versatile firearm, but the 505 Youth is chambered in 20 gauge, presenting a balance of power and manageability for hunters-to-become.
While the 20-gauge might not offer as much room to grow as a 12 gauge, it does provide less recoil, which can be a significant advantage for younger shooters who might find the kickback of larger gauges intimidating. This youth shotgun is slightly lighter than some counterparts, with a barrel length designed to accommodate the reach of younger users. It has a comfortable 13″ length of pull, which is standard for youth models.
Unlike many youth shotguns, the Mossberg 505 Youth isn’t compatible with 3 1/2″ shells, but it compensates with a broader range of choke tube options – including improved, modified and full. This model also fits standard Mossberg chokes, and the three included chokes should cover most hunting scenarios. The Mossberg 505 Youth comes in both hardwood and synthetic stocks, and going for the synthetic option introduces an adjustable length of pull system. This feature adds an extra layer of customization, allowing the shotgun to grow with the young shooter.
You can also get an even smaller version of the 20 gauge in the Mossberg 510 Mini.
Specs: Barrel Length: 20″, Length Of Pull: 12″, Total Shotgun Length: 37.5″, Total Weight: 5.25 lbs.
Stoeger Condor Youth 20 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun
Up until now, we’ve only looked at pump shotgun models, but there are over/under options for youth as well. The Stoeger Condor Youth 20 Gauge Over/Under is a great example of a classic youth shotgun, and it comes in comparable dimensions to the pump action models outlined above.
In terms of physical specifications, this shotgun is slightly lighter than many alternatives, with a barrel length tailored to suit the reach of younger users. It has a comfortable 13″ length of pull, which is standard for youth models.
The Stoeger Condor Youth comes in both hardwood and synthetic stocks, offering versatility in its design. If you opt for the synthetic stock version, you gain an adjustable length of pull system, a feature that adds an extra layer of customization and allows the shotgun to grow with the young shooter.
The Stoeger Condor is also available in a Condor .410 Over/Under Youth Model.
Specs: Barrel Length: 22″, Length Of Pull: 13″, Total Shotgun Length: 36.5″, Total Weight: 5.5 lbs.
Stoeger Uplander Youth 20 Gauge Side By Side Shotgun
Stoeger makes the classic English side by side shotgun an option for youth shooters as well with the Stoeger Uplander Youth 20 Gauge Sid By Side Shotgun. This Stoeger side by side has identical specs when compared to the over/under version, but it is over a pound heavier at 6.8lbs.
You can also get this side-by-side model in the Stoeger Uplander Youth .410 Side By Side Shotgun.
Specs: Barrel Length: 22″, Length Of Pull: 13″, Total Shotgun Length: 36.5″, Total Weight: 6.8 lbs.
Beretta AL391 Urika 2 20 Gauge Youth Shotgun
One final option for our profile on youth shotguns comes in the more advanced Beretta AL391 20 Gauge Youth Shotgun. This semi-auto shotgun is quite the step up for a youth shooter in both operation and price, but it does carry some unique advantages that are well-worth the investment. Beretta’s improved gas system reduces felt recoil and makes this youth shotgun by far the least intimidating to shoot. While it’s wise to think that most youth shooters should start with a pump or break action shotgun, don’t overlook the advantages of a semi-auto when it comes to the best fit for your young hunter.
Specs: Barrel Length: 24″, Length Of Pull: 12″, Total Shotgun Length: Not Listed, Total Weight: 5.8 lbs.
Check out other articles on shotguns:
- 7 Best Home Defense Tactical Shotguns – 2024 Guide
- Single Shot Shotguns: Perfect for Beginners and Experts Alike
- 5 Essential Accessories for Your Shotgun
- Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl – Comprehensive Field Test & Review
FAQs
A youth shotgun typically has lighter weight, shorter barrel length, and a smaller length of pull, making it easier for younger shooters to handle and control.
A 20-gauge shotgun usually has less recoil than a 12-gauge, making it more manageable for younger or smaller-framed shooters. It still provides sufficient power for most hunting scenarios.
The length of pull is the distance from the trigger to the end of the gun’s buttstock. It’s important in youth shotguns because a shorter length of pull makes the gun easier to shoulder and aim for a young shooter.
An adjustable length of pull system allows you to change the distance from the trigger to the end of the buttstock. This is beneficial for young shooters as it allows the gun to grow with the shooter, ensuring a comfortable and effective fit over time.
The Stoeger Uplander Youth shotgun comes with improved, modified, and full choke tubes. These can help adjust the spread of the shot to suit different hunting situations.
Hardwood stocks are traditional and typically more aesthetically pleasing, but they can be heavier and may not withstand harsh weather as well as synthetic stocks. Synthetic stocks are lighter and more durable, but some people prefer the feel and look of wood. Neither is objectively better; it depends on personal preference and needs.
When choosing a youth shotgun for hunting, consider the shooter’s size and strength, the gun’s weight, length of pull, gauge, and recoil, as well as the intended game. A lighter gun with less recoil is typically more suitable for small game, while larger game might require a more powerful gauge.
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