Son's First Shotgun

[JPM63US]

Howdy,
I am not a big shotgun user - I've only owned 2 in my life of 40 years. A 20 gage spanish double and the Remington 1100 I bought after I sold the double gun.

The time has come to equip my 13 year old to hunt with me. Due to goofy Michigan laws, he can only use a shotgun in southern michigan, but a rifle in northern Michigan. So this shotgun will see both small game usage and limited deer hunting. (We go north for most of the season's deer hunting).

I don't expect him to keep this gun all his life and plan on a 20 gage as he is tall and very thin (like me). If he takes an interest in shotgun sports, he can use my 1100. Local store has a Mossberg 500C for $199. It has 3 choke tubes and is drilled and tapped, so I can plop a scope on top with the cylinder choke for deer.

What say all you shotgun sages, this sound like a good deal/plan?? Am I missing something? I am a bit nervous with current Remington quality and haven't been able to find a used 870 in 20 gage.

JPM

 

[tc300mag1]

Go for the mossy good luck trying to find a used 20 gauge Remington here i been looking for a good used 1100 20 for 3 years. Also a beretta is about 480 if you want to go full syth.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Decent price, decent shotgun, if not my first pick. Decent plan, too.

One thing on 20 gauge pumps. Many are vicious kickers with oz loads and new shooters. Start off with 7/8 oz loads, maybe even the superlights if they can be found.

HTH...

 

[Rupestris]

A friend was looking for a SG for his son. He found a Remington 870 youth model on sale at Sports Authority for $209. Dunhams was able to match the price and allowed Lay-away. If you can look around for a while or hit a couple of the gun shows you’ll probably do a little better.

As for my son’s SG, I guess I was one of the lucky ones. We found a used 870 in 20ga with 2 barrels for $175. My son was 13 at the time as well. Unfortunately the LOP was a bit long and the lack of a recoil pad made it a bit uncomfortable. For $40 I picked up a Outers synthetic youth stock set from Cabelas. (Dundee didn’t carry ‘em. I had to order it) That put us over the $200 mark. I say US because my son has been very good about paying his own way. When it was time to get him a shot gun I suggested that he save his money. The more he saved, the better he’d do when it came to getting a nice shotgun. He was fine with that idea and I’m sure he has a little more appreciation for the gun as he had to earn it… well, part of it.

 

[Mulliga]

Nothing wrong with a 20. Works just fine. It's what I have .

The current 870s are fine. This is a shotgun - it's made to be beat up and kicked around. I was going to get a more expensive gun, but the Wally World gun guy talked me out of it.

The Mossberg 500C is a fine choice. I actually prefer the 500/590 in a HD situation, so it should be good for hunting.

 

[JNewell]

At least as recently as the end of November Walmart was selling Beretta AL390s with 5 choke tubes for $499. That's obviously a lot more than the Mossberg, but Dave's point is well made. The Beretta should fire any load you choose to put through it, and will last a lifetime.

 

[tc300mag1]

i know the beretta is my next shotgun purchase after 2 should surgrys i can work the ole pump like i used to

 

[scout26]

Check out a Mossy 500 Bantam in 20 ga. My wife uses it for trap, and now I'm going to take my daughter out on her first turkey hunt with it this spring. Remmington also makes youth model 870.

But whatever HE finally decides on, make sure it fits.

 

[combat effective]

The Mossy is a good gun at a good price, and I wouldn't hesitate to get it if your son likes it. However, my first choice would be a Remington 870 youth model in 20 guage.

 

[JPM63US]

Thanks for all the advice. A quick word to those advising the youth models. My 14 year old son is already 5'9" tall and I fully expect him to top out around 6'5" or more. (No - he does not play Basketball).

We have tried the youth models and they DO NOT fit. I am still looking for a good used deal - too cold to shoot right now anyway. Local gun show first week in March.

JPM