410 vs 20 ga

[jharry]

My son is 15 and quite small. We adopted him and his bio parents are both small so we suspect he will remain on the light side. I am going to buy him a shotgun soon and am looking at 410 vs 20. I just don't know how to relate the recoil between the 2.

I like that the 20 has a bigger pattern and ammo is cheaper, but if it is too much, it's too much.

I fugure to use a low base 20 to keep the recoil to a minimum.

Any thoughts, suggestions?

[say12]

20.ga.

I would go with the 20ga. Winchester makes a low recoil 20 ga.round. That is what i did for my Grand son.

[Argonaut]

20 gauge gas operated semi auto would be a very light recoil gun. A youth grade 11-87, If he outgrows the stock it is easy to replace it with a longer one. 410's are fun but not in the same class as a 20 gauge.

[CSACANNONEER]

20g all the way! While I really enjoy .410s, they do not pattern the same as other shotguns. Instead, they tend to string the shot out more. .410s are considered more of an experts gun so, stick with a 20g or even a 28g. If you happen to find a good deal on a Berretta 391 in either 12 or 20, I might be willing to part with my youth stock for it. They are incredibly hard to come by unless they are purchased with the gun.

[TKM]

You're a good dad.

Maybe an 1100? They come in 410 but are hard to come by. The 20 is more readily available and recoil pad technology has come a long way.

We have lots of Asian Calgunners with kids who shoot. I'm sure that the collective CG braintrust will be along to help.

[olhunter]

+1 on the .20. You'll be selling the .410 anyway when he outgrows it.

Lots of good advice on the previous posts.

His .20 will last a lifetime. I still hunt with mine all the time.

[foxtrotuniformlima]

I started on a 410, my brother a 20. 30+ years later I'm a better shot. By far. It isn't even close.

but a Beretta 391 or Rem 1100 in 20 will kick less than a single shot 410. Or so my 13 yo son tells me.

[Mike A]

If you're going to buy a single shot, like an NEF, you could start with a .410 and add a larger guage barrel later. If not, I'd go with the 20 and search for the low recoil ammo mentioned above. Economy low-based shells don't necessarily kick much less than high-base; remember both must generate enough pressure and recoil to operate gas and recoil operated auto shotguns, so they can't be too "soft."

Fit of the gun is a BIG deal with regard to felt recoil. If he's little, he needs a little (short) stock. You can add a longer one when he grows. But don't try to start with a full-sized stock; it won't fit on his shoulder and will end up sitting on his upper arm and bang the crap out of him. Not good for repeat performances and happy practice. Also avoid slug loads until he's bigger; they really kick and the rigid position needed to aim rather than point a shotgun accentuates the recoil more than the looser "swing" of wingshooting.

[jharry]

Thanks to all so far - I am leaning towards the 20, so it looks like I am thinking the right way to go.

The guns that caught my attention the most at this point are the Mossbergs. The 510 mini with an adjustable stock or the 500 in the Youth size. The mini is 18 1/2" barrel, the 500 has 20 "

I do like the sound of the changeble barrel on the NEF, but will probably opt for Mossberg, Rem or Winchester. I have all three and each functions well for me.

I am still wanting any feedback, so please keep it coming. - Thanks

[ysr_racer]

My 5 foot tall wife shoots a Remington youth 1100 in 20ga. No recoil.

[JohnnyC]

My vote 20g. Cheaper, and if he's ready then give it a shot.

[Revoman]

Another 20 vote. If you go with a 410, while the recoil is negligible, many cannot shoot that round well enough to hit targets and get frustrated and quit.
410's are about $11 a box, 20's around $7.
Use light load 20's and you should be better off. The 20's come in a wide band of loads so you should be able to use it for much more and for a longer period of time.
Get a 20.

[ChaparralCommando]

20 ga is less expensive and more easily available than 28 or .410, plus with a recoil pad and light target loads it should be fine.
And much more likely to hit the target!

[mjsweims]

No question. Go with the 20. It has a bigger pattern and he will have an easier time making shots - that will get his confidence and enjoymaent level up. (A 410 may, as one poster said, may make you a better shot down the road, but your son will be missing many more to start with and may get disheartened.)
There are plenty of light factory loads available, or start to reload if you shoot enough.

[jharry]

Thanks for all the posts ...... It looks I'm going to go with a youth version of the Mossberg 500. As he gets older, I can change the stock and the barrell so it can grow with him... 20 ga seems to work best....Thanks