Thread: 12g for young fella

My 13yr old is showing interest in going up to 12g from his 20g under/over that he has used for last 2 yrs,I’m thinking a semi auto ,gas operated shooting lightish loads might be the way to go,he is very safety conscious and started his shooting with my old browning A5 in 20g so knows the safety regime well with semi shooting from boat and maimai..any tips on which brand/model would suit?not looking to spend a fortune as the season is only 1month here in the tron. Thanks

If you go 12g u/0 if he wants to do claybird shooting your good to go, trap ammo will be ok and still kill ducks good at reasonable distance till he gets used to it then 32grn all in 2 3/4. Most gas semis will run light loads inertia generally need a packet or 2 of high velocity through it to soften up the springs a bit to run light loads

fabarm semi, shoot light loads thru magnum with bugga all recoil compared to any other 12 i have owned

Cowboy action loads made by target products are an excellent light load to introduce people to a heavier 12 bore with. Won't cycle any semi but will break clays at 35 metres reliably

Find semi that fits him. Agree the 30-32grm loads work well.kent,gamebore,Winchester or falcon all do the biz.and a pump may be easier,cheaper and arguably safer.

I have a winchester 1400 semi auto for sale. Based just out of Te Awamutu. If you want to see how it fits let me know.
https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....hotgun-111743/

I never used a sub gauge I went straight to a gas operated semi. A fabarm, briefly, but you could watch the steel on the barrel rusting in the maimai. Then went to a Beretta A303 which I still own today (over 20 years later).

Never bothered with light loads either. Sure I wasn't out there shooting magnums all day when I was young but normal hunting loads were fine.

So what I'm saying is get a good gas operated semi like a Beretta and just use normal ammunition, it'll be fine.

ive had my fabarm 10 years or so, not a spot of rust

My vote for an U/O mate. Put some 2 & 3/4 shells in it and he will be good to go.

A massive positive in my book is the fact it can be broken and everyone knows is safe!

Its what I learned to use as a kid (after graduating from a single shot), later moved to semi's & never liked them. Now back to U/O wish I never left haha.

Now if only than can that dam steel shot and bring back the lead all will be right again.....

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I have a cheap U/O if you are interested in not going the semi route?
https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....hotgun-112304/

Have an old Russian under/over he might use but thinking semi gas operated will be softer shooting.

there are 28gm steel load available for a younger shooter if you look round.Ishoot a s/a with 34gm 3"loads but every so ofen i go back to my baikal single trigger o/u with 23/4 32gm loads . start salow and build em up clays are a very good option and bloody great fun for all.

Remington versamax?