Early Christmas Shopping

[MTT TL]

The boy (12) has been asking for a 20 Gauge for two years now and I think he is ready. I would like some suggestions on a youth model shotgun in either O/U or SXS that would be good for birds and clays.

I would like it to fit the following:

- Under $400
- American made (prefer)
- Good quality
- Designed for youth

Not really interested in pump or semi-auto. Thanks.

[jaguarxk120]

A pump or semi-auto can be fitted with a youth stock for now and as he grows a full size stock can be exchanged for the shorter stock. Refitting a full size stock on a SxS or overunder can be quite costly.

[Doyle]

The words "good", "o/u" and "under $400" NEVER go together. You can get 2 out of the 3 - you pick which 2.

[MTT TL]

I understand. The intention is to pass it down as he gets older, when we replace it with a full size model when he is ready for that (and so on). This saves me from buying/ refitting more than one gun.

You can get 2 out of the 3 - you pick which 2.

I know, I could not find anything myself. That is why I am asking. The closest you can get would be helpful.

[the rifleer]

In all honesty you aren't going to find a good solid reliable well built o/u for under $400, unless you buy it used from someone who wants to get rid of it.

You can buy a very good well made American pump action that will last the rest of his life for about that much though. I can shoot doubles with mine, it just takes a little extra practice.

you can even get a decent semi-auto for that price. i know thats not what your interested in, but thats what it going to be for that price range. There is nothing wrong with a pump or a semi auto.

[MTT TL]

Well, what do you think would be the best compromise? :(

I know I can get a youth model Remington 1100 for about $430 locally.

I don't think I want to spend any more.

I really don't want a pump.

[Wishoot]

You could look at a Lamber OU, but they'll run about $500 from CDNN. They do not make a youth stock however. I purchased one 4 years ago and it's a champ.

Check out the "I love my Lamber" section of Shotgunworld.

Otherwise, there isn't much in the new or used world that I could consider to be a quality OU for under $400.

Personally, I plan on getting my kid a 20 gauge 870 when she's ready for it. I prefer to teach the fundamentals of shotgunning on a pump.

[jaguarxk120]

The 1100 is a outstanding choice. It has a very good track record in all the shooting sports. Can be had in many different grades and finish's. In some area's it is the standard other shotguns are compaired to.

[Sam06]

Here is a nice one on GB

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=144443980

I like 1100's a lot. You can find them cheap/used but in very good shape. Once you figure them out they are very easy to work on also. Parts are available and aftermarket parts are plentiful. Once he gets older get a 12 ga or go to another style gun.

The 1100 would get my vote.

[BigJimP]

Under $ 500 go with the 1100 .....if it has screw in chokes.

A trouble free - long term O/U is a Browning or a Beretta / and even used they are $ 1,000 - $ 1,250 for entry level models if they have screw in chokes.

For a versatile gun / you need screw in chokes - if the Rem 1100 doesn't work out look for a Beretta 390 or 391 semi-auto as a 2nd choice.

[olddrum1]

As per BJP and the rest, 1100, but for one reason I would suggest a pump 870. Easier to take care of.