Thread: Beginners gun

Originally Posted by rockland

I think this is good advice. A Remington 870 pump in 20g shooting 1oz. loads would be a great first shotgun. The youth or compact model has a shorter stock if the standard model is too long for your boy.

Not sure about the Rem 870 being under-rated;it is the most popular shotgun in the world with over 10 million sold!

i agree i like my 870 pump managed to get on in left hand for about $600.00

i love remy 870,s but for a first time not often used gun maybe not especially in 20 gauge since docs decided thier rules are above f&g,s on land they own/manage.
no subgauge lead on doc land
i use the 20 870 cos my shouldsers stuffed and the lighter but not to light wieght,
with the advent of youth 12,s and upgrading options[ ie stock extensions replacement barrels]as the boy grows that would be my choice.
you can use 2.5 inch lead shells and the lighter fast 2 3/4inch steel loads with the option of moving to 3 inch shells should you need them which to be honest you probably wont for 99%of your shooting.
dont go for superlight 12,s theyre a devil in disguise
there are were a few 26 inch barrelled 12 gauge baikal over and unders floating about with opened up for steel chokes.
the 2 i have shot are very effective game guns if only 2 3/4 inch chambers but with load good selection i have shot pidgeons parries canadas and feral geese with them.
stay away from single shots most are poorly designed for comfortable shooting and to tightly choked to be effective especialy for a starter gun