Shotgun needed for 11 year-old

OceanBlue · 12-02-2002, 07:51 AM

I have an 11 year-old daughter who wants to go turkey hunting next season. We're going to get her into a hunter safety class and all that, but I'm having trouble determining what 12 gauge to get her. She tried to use her dad's but it is too big for her - she can't sight it. She's small, but she's strong.

I don't like the idea of getting her a "Jr." model as she's due to hit a growth-spurt. Nor do I want to get her something that will knock her on her bottom.

And then there's the whole issue of not wanting to invest a lot of $$ - I'm not sure she's going to do much hunting.

Any ideas?

[ 12-02-2002, 08:54 AM: Message edited by: Pilar's Mate ]

JeepMcMuddy · 12-02-2002, 07:56 AM

I started with a single shot, New England Arms 12 gauge. Breach load. I think it comes in a 28 in barrel. Nice lightweight and cheep! (~100$) If you want to get her shooting a pump, I would suggest a Ithica Model 37 feather weight. She should be able to carry it all day long and not get smacked on her butt when she shoots it. Mine is 12 gauge and chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells. I think Ithica made them in many variations and barrel lengths.

OceanBlue · 12-02-2002, 09:55 AM

Thanks Jeep! And I just have to say... I get a giggle out of your avatar every time I see it. Hehehe!

12-02-2002, 10:06 AM

Winchester 1300 20ga.

I have one that I got for my kids. I can bring it up this week for your daughter to see if she likes it. (not for sale). The one that I have came with a 20" bbl, sights and is taped for a scope. I don't remember what it cost but it wasn't too much.

A 20ga will kill turkeys and doesn't kick bad.

bigshark · 12-02-2002, 10:34 AM

The chance of eye damage is always a concern when trying to match a gun to a young and small hunter. If you want a 12 ga. I would look for a gas operated auto loader as they are much softer in felt recoil. Light weight guns kick like heck and that is a poor choice for a youngster. Your here in the area, call Allison and Carey and tell them the situation, they will guide you in the right direction. Those eyes are precious and should not be put in danger...ever. The idea of a light gun for the child to carry, etc. sounds good but it is not a good choice in my opinion.

[ 12-02-2002, 11:36 AM: Message edited by: bigshark ]

OceanBlue · 12-02-2002, 10:38 AM

Thanks Keta & Bigshark!

Keta, I've got a 6/0 senator that kicks fanny... I'll trade you for the shotgun

I should have known to ask you. You seem to come to my rescue time and time again. If you don't mind dragging it along, bring it on the 4th? My daughter will be there then and we can "try it on". That will help a great deal. Thanks!

OceanBlue · 12-02-2002, 12:54 PM

Stryker,

She's tough, but you're right. I don't know why I said 12 when I meant 20.

As for your self-description... :shocked:

KingFisher85 · 12-02-2002, 02:00 PM

You might want to take a look at a Mossberg 500. You can find a good one for no more then $150 and then get a few choke tubs a 12 to 15 dollars each. Thats all you need.
I would say to get her a 24 inch barrel.
Just my 2 cents

[ 12-02-2002, 03:03 PM: Message edited by: KingFisher85 ]

crabbait · 12-02-2002, 06:34 PM

Avoid the temptation to buy a single shot. We used to have one for a loaner gun for waterfowl. Called it "the maimer" and not because of what it did to the ducks! Light weight, poorly shaped shotguns (too much drop at the heel like cheap single shots) magnify felt recoil. No better way to turn a young person off of hunting.

I would think you could borrow a 20ga suitable for this purpose. If you have a problem let me know.

[ 12-02-2002, 07:34 PM: Message edited by: crabbait ]

12-02-2002, 06:39 PM

crabbait,
Are you sugesting that I loan her my kids shotgun :shocked: She already has my 6/0 Senator :smile:
I forgot to mention that the 1300 that I have has interchangeable choke tubes and a synthetic stock.
I agree on the single shot and disagree on the semi-auto.

SeanD · 12-02-2002, 11:35 PM

Depends on how much you want to spend i guess. I started out with a rem 1100 20 gauge autoloader, hardly any kick to it. Even now i still use it instead of my 12 guage sometimes, and it is always the loaner for kids and women that dont need the kick. My sister used a NEF 20 gauge single shot when she was that age, we just put a slip on recoil pad on it and it's not bad at all. And much cheaper than the 1100.

Salmon Stryker · 12-02-2002, 11:40 PM

I would second the advice from Keta and Big Shark. I started hunting rabbits at 8 years old with my grandpa's 20 gauge. A lot less kick than a 12, but still plenty of poop to knock down turkeys, bunnies, ducks or whatever. I think ammo may be a little more expesive though on the down side.

The main thing is that you want your daughter to enjoy shooting and not be afraid of the recoil. If she's tough enough for a 12 and she's going to grow...... But I'm 6'3" 240 lbs of raw steel and sex appeal :shocked: and even my shoulder gets a little sore after shooting clays with my 12 gauge. :grin:

Good luck.

Flying Roast Beef · 12-02-2002, 11:43 PM

Just a thought, why not a remington auto-loader. You can chose 20 or 12ga. and you can buy a shorter stock for it anywhere. Your daughter will grow into the original stock and will have a gun that should last a lifetime if maintaned.

KingFisher85 · 12-03-2002, 05:35 AM

Well I don't think that Pilar's Mate wants to spend $400-$600 for a new Remington 1100