Thread: Best kids clay shotie

I'd go 28 or 20 gauge, as the claw said unless your a great shot the 410 sucks arse at clays, it was one of my most imbarassing moments shooting a 25/25 with a 12 gauge and then picking up a 410 and getting 6/25 at a local fun shoot.

Use a semi and recoil wont be an issue for them.

My son started using a Rossi single shot 410 a year or so ago. We have been to the local clay target club and he hits them regularly. We have also been to a simulated clay target event last year and he did well in some positions but not so well in others. I chose the rifle because he can put his 17HMR barrel on and chase possums in the night. So it's versatile but not the best it could be, I agree. It all depends on how much money you want to spend. I paid little for the Rossi and chopped the stock down to fit him properly and he still has fun. He now approaches 11 years and if he shows more interest I am willing to invest in a 20g pump action but he has to come and hunt lots of possums with me first!!!
The gun is dangerous enough to be taken seriously but has obvious limitations ie range, number of shots etc but is a perfect training weapon. It's all about safety, lining up the claybird etc. I wouldn't mess with my boy if he carries his 410!!!!

Teaching a kid to shoot and shoot well can be very rewarding. My son is 9 goin on 10 not a big kid for his age and is using a 12g with 24 gram loads. I would never take him shooting at a club untill he is reasonably confident hitting a large % of the targets he is likely to face at a sporting or skeet field. I hope he hates shooting mudpies like me but hitting them will give a bit of confidence and it will keep them interested.

I used to use a rossi s/s .410 to good measure, it really makes you follow through and made me a better bird/clay shooter than if I started on a bigger shottie. make sure that they have the best hearing protection you can give them, the noise will affect their learning performance more than anything else