shotgun for 10 year old

[flexible]

hi everyone; looking for some advice on a shotgun for my granddaughter.
She is 8 now but she is also 4 ft. 4 and wants to shoot with grandpa.
She is also left handed, I have about 2 years to do my research but I'm thinking of a 28 ga. in gas semi auto or an O/U.
My big issue is cost, I don't want to spend a lot on something she will quickly grow out of.
Any ideas?
thanks
flexible

 

[Blkhrt13]

Just look for an old single shot 410 with center controls. Take her squirrel and rabbit hunting. That will either run her off or get her hooked. I have 6 kids 2 of 6 will hardly leave the woods. It's how they started.

 

[Captcurt]

Mossberg has a 510 Mini pump, 505 youth and the 500 Super Bantam all made for small people. The bantam has an extra recoil pad and spacer so you can lengthen the pull as the kid grows. I never was a fan of the single shots for a kid. The hammer is usually too heavy for a munchkin to cock.

 

[FL-NC]

Just look for an old single shot 410 with center controls. Take her squirrel and rabbit hunting. That will either run her off or get her hooked. I have 6 kids 2 of 6 will hardly leave the woods. It's how they started.

Best advice here. Later on upgrade her to a 20 gauge- that's the "just right" amount of power with economic ammo prices and availability.

 

[243winxb]

20 gauge gas semi auto. $527.

 

[Armored farmer]

20ga 1100 would do nicely.
I have a 28 ga ou that Mrs farmer shoots. Nice little gun but ammo is costly and not readily available.
.410 are easy on the shoulder, but pretty light on the other end too....i always say they are for the expert. Not the beginner. That's how most of us got started tho.

 

[kudu]

Yep, 20 gauge on the 1100 or 11-87, run light 3/4oz loads, which you may have to look for or reload. 28 gauge is about ideal, but prices on ammo are very restrictive unless you reload.

 

[Starter52]

I would go with the 28 gauge. It's perfect for a ten year old girl.

 

[Blkhrt13]

Also that is a good age for a nice BB gun and a whole lot of can murdering. Set up a range and let her work it over a good bit. Always supervised. I even made games of them trying to outshoot me. My son out hunts his cousins by far in the bullets to food ratio. All because of early practice.

 

[Sunray]

"...She is 8 now but she is also 4 ft. 4..." She's going to grow out of anything you buy. I'd still go with a Youth/Compact, 20 gauge, semi-auto, wood stocked(easier to cut for LOP if need be) like the 1100/11/87. Aftermarket stuff abounds and isn't stupid expensive.
Left or right doesn't matter. Been using backwards firearms all my life, including battle rifles, SMG's and MG's with no fuss.
O/U's will be too heavy. Barrels and stocks will be way too long.
28 gauge anything is hard to come by. There are 16 gauge shotguns around though.
"...will hardly leave the woods..." Ropes are holding are they? snicker.

 

[Blkhrt13]

My son just prefers the company of edible animals to people I guess

 

[1911 guy]

I'm a fan of the Mossberg guns for lefties. My son shoots left handed and adapted very quickly to the safety on the top of the receiver.

 

[ez45]

I have 9 year old twin boys. Remington 1187 compact in 20 gauge is perfect for them. It has a shorter 21 inch barrel with screw in chokes. Also adjustable length of pull with spacers that are included with purchase. As they grow I will just add another spacer.

I thought about a Remington 1100 in 28 gauge but ammunition is hard to find and expensive. With light 20 gauge loads available everywhere and for less money it was a no brainer.

The kids love the 1187 and it's balance with the shorter barrel.

 

[243winxb]

For Lefties shooting a right hand gun. Available at Midwayusa. Its what i have used with a Rem 760 rifle. $17. Sorry about the bold print. Cut and pasted it.
Fortmann's Left Hand Safety Conversion Remington 552, 740, 760, 870, 1100, 11-87

 

[c1ogden]

hi everyone; looking for some advice on a shotgun for my granddaughter.
She is 8 now but she is also 4 ft. 4 and wants to shoot with grandpa.
She is also left handed, I have about 2 years to do my research but I'm thinking of a 28 ga. in gas semi auto or an O/U.
My big issue is cost, I don't want to spend a lot on something she will quickly grow out of.
Any ideas?
thanks
flexible

I bought a Remington 870 Youth Model in 20ga for my daughters when they were 9 and 10. They are 23 and 24 now and still using it.