Advice needed for a new shotgun

[dm1333]

I own a Mossy 500, a Stevens 311 in 16 gauge and used to have a single shot 20. While I was in a Wal Mart with a friend I took a look at a Charles Daly youth model 20 gauge pump and it got me thinking that I need a small (youth sized) 20 in a pump action. I'd prefer to stick with something like a Mossberg because as a lefty I really like the way the safety and the action bar release are set up.

Anyone here have a youth sized pump in 20 that they would recommend? I really liked the size and weight and if LOP is a problem I can get a slip on butt pad. I've done enough trap, skeet, and grouse hunting that I am starting to feel over gunned with a 12. If I could find a Stevens, new or old, in 20 I would jump all over it but haven't seen one yet.

 

[foghornl]

Last time I looked, Mossberg offers the "Bantam" models....20-Ga with a shorter stock for reduced 'Length of Pull'

Mossberg's website (www.mossberg.com) shows the Model 500 "Super Bantam" turkey gun..Model 54140. 20-Ga, camo finish 22" barrel, shorter stock with an extra buttplate spacer and recoil pad. Also has a certificate for 50% off a full-size stock. Sounds like what you want.

Mossberg also has the "505 Youth model"

ooooops, never mind...the 505 is a .410

Mossberg does have several other bantam models, so you can probably find something you like, if the Turkey/Camo gun doesn't spin your fan.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Remington's Youth Express in 20 gauge is a nice shotgun. The one here has two barrels, one for slugs and one for wingshooting and clays. Not quite as slick as my much used 12s, but it'll get there.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

My best friend had a Remington 870 Express Youth model in 20 gauge for many years. He gave it to his sister and is trying to get her to give it back so his wife can use it. It's a great shotgun.

 

[dm1333]

Have any of you guys done any shooting with the youth sized models? I'm wondering if the shorter LOP was an annoyance. The nice thing about the Bantam is that it weighs 2 pounds less than my full sized 500. I seperated my collar bone and tore my rotator cuff and holding my shotgun in my left hand for long periods of time causes my arthritis to flare up. I can shoot heavy loads all day long I just can't take the weight of the gun pulling straight down. (I know, what a wimp!) I spend a lot of time with the gun either slung or in my right hand to relieve the strain a little. I'm also set on either the Bantam or 870 with the Bantam way out in front.

 

[Dave McCracken]

I like a long LOP, the WOP gun is at 15" and so is Number 6. I can use the short LOP YE, but I'm not shooting my best. Of course, t'were I to use only it, things would improve.

Total weight's around 6 lbs, 6 oz IIRC.