Youth shotgun?

[WildWill]

Looking for some ideas and recommendations for a shotgun for my son. It will technically be his second shotgun as his first is a old Steven's single shot 410 that was also my first shotgun given to me by my grandpa for Christmaswhen i was 5. I plan on taking him turkey hunting this spring and thought about using some tss in the old 410. but don't really wanna drag it around the woods as I'd like to keep it in good shape might have a grandson who will need it one day.



I'm torn between a couple ideas.

1st: Get him one of the newer synthetic stocked 410. use tss and maybe put some small optic on it.
Pros: A lighter gun will be easier for him to carry around for extended periods, I've been wanting to play around with tss and a 410. for turkey hunting myself.
Cons: The shotgun would really be a one trick pony and would still end up having to get something for wingshooting eventually.



2nd: Get him a youth model 20 gauge pump.
Pros: Very versatile and will cover a variety of hunting scenarios.
Cons: The saying "jack of all trades master of none" comes to mind with this shotgun.



I've also considered a O/U youth model in 410 or 20 gauge (doubt I could find a youth 16 or 28 gauge). I'm a bit partial to the idea of a youth pump 20 gauge. My second shotgun was a youth model 870 20 gauge and I loved it. So what do you guys think? FYI he's 9 and pretty big for his age.

 

[Nick87]

I'll just send you a pm lol.

 

[VikingsGuy]

If it was me, I would let him use it. It will mean much more to him and any grandchild if it had real memories than if it just becomes a safe queen. Scratches are part of the story.

 

[Birdbander]

Get him one of the true made for turkey 410s. When he's ready for wingshooting, get him a good for that purpose shotgun.
I see this in the Pro column, not Con. You've started your son his own gun collection AND provided him with his firsts that he can pass to his children someday with the story of how Grandpa started him out.

 

[Arcola]

How big? Specifically LOP. I’m in the midst of this myself and have squandered money on short term solutions. They outgrow 410’s quickly if you want to wing shoot. 20ga is the answer.

 

[Jbotto]

I'll just send you a pm lol.

Don’t hide good info in PM’s! Some of us need your wisdom!

 

[Jbotto]

My boy is coming up to 3 years old. I’ve already been thinking about this. My thoughts are to buy a youth 20ga 870 express as a family starter gun. I’ll find a few different stocks/barrels/chokes to make as much use out of it as I can. Then at 16 or 18 or some older age I’ll buy both kids their own 870 20ga Wingmaster.