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Youth (bantam) shotgun

by , Posted to on 01/28/2012 6:26 PM | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/09/2002
Location: ND
OK, so I stopped by Scheels today looking for a decent shotgun to get the boy.  I'd like to get him shooting one this coming summer. 

He's a fairly tall and big kid for his age (6 yrs old), but at this age I was really hoping to get something other than a POS single shot, or the Mossberg bantam (hate Mossbergs, only because I owned one for a long time).   Really disappointed me to not find anything.

Needless to say that's all that's on the shelf here in Bismarck.

What I would like to find is a 28 gage in something about the size of the Mossberg Bantam.

Any suggestions? 

p.s.  As he is only 6, I may be out of luck as from what I can tell most youth models are still too big as they tend to be made for 10-12 yr olds.
“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.” ~ Mark Twain
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 6:31 PM | Reply #1 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/24/2010
Location: ND
 The youth 870's are probably still a bit big im assuming? I think i was shooting mine around the age of 7 or 8, its  in a 20 gauge.  Around a 20 inch barrel. If you are in the area I could bring it by sometime and you can check it out. Im living in fargo, but travel back and forth between Hazen/Minot every few weeks. Let me know.

taylorman
 
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 6:40 PM | Reply #2 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/09/2002
Location: ND
Yeah, the 870 youth is quite a bit bigger than a "bantam". I am really hoping to find something that fits him a little better.
“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.” ~ Mark Twain
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 6:41 PM | Reply #3 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 05/26/2006
Location: ND
 I think they have some Stoeger 20ga and maybe a .410 if you want to go the O/U route...

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-Andrew Jackson, 2nd Inaugural address, 1833
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 6:52 PM | Reply #4 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 05/24/2008
Location: Mo
Stroeger makes a short barrelled sxs in a 410.     I have a New England single shot brake action in a 28 ga but you would have to cut it down for him.
 
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 7:43 PM | Reply #5 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/04/2002
Location: ND
 Although I hate the exposed hammer single shots (especially for a youth), I have a couple in 20 ga with shortened stocks if you want to get him out this spring/summer. When looking a few years back for my nephew, I couldn't find anything that really fit him in a decent pump.

You can't aim a duck to death.

Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 8:13 PM | Reply #6 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/09/2002
Location: ND
Thanks for all the suggestions so far, I don't think the heft of a two-holer would be good for him right now, and like Steve the exposed hammer singles aren't high on my list.  I started with an exposed hammer, single shot 20 gage  that thing kicked like a mule and more than once I got a pretty good mark on the cheek from the hammer.

Do I really have to go the route of the Mossberg for a true bantam pump shotgun?  That kinda shocks me.

Has anyone ever even seen something by Rem, Benelli, Winchester, or other manufacturers that would be considered a rival to the Mossberg.

FWIW, the Mossberg Bantam has only a 12" length of pull and a 20" barrel. Comes in either .410 or 20 gauge and not the 28 gauge I was hoping to get.

p.s.  I have never been a big fan of the .410 as there just aren't many bb's in the pattern.  Yes, all it takes is one bb, but the 28 gage is a great tweener between the .410 and the harder kick of the 20 from all I have read.
“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.” ~ Mark Twain
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 8:14 PM | Reply #7 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/09/2002
Location: ND
Steve, how old is the nephew?  Was he about the same size as T.?
“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.” ~ Mark Twain
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 8:23 PM | Reply #8 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 05/24/2008
Location: Mo
Allen Said:
Thanks for all the suggestions so far, I don't think the heft of a two-holer would be good for him right now, and like Steve the exposed hammer singles aren't high on my list.  I started with an exposed hammer, single shot 20 gage  that thing kicked like a mule and more than once I got a pretty good mark on the cheek from the hammer.

Do I really have to go the route of the Mossberg for a true bantam pump shotgun?  That kinda shocks me.

Has anyone ever even seen something by Rem, Benelli, Winchester, or other manufacturers that would be considered a rival to the Mossberg.

FWIW, the Mossberg Bantam has only a 12" length of pull and a 20" barrel. Comes in either .410 or 20 gauge and not the 28 gauge I was hoping to get.

p.s.  I have never been a big fan of the .410 as there just aren't many bb's in the pattern.  Yes, all it takes is one bb, but the 28 gage is a great tweener between the .410 and the harder kick of the 20 from all I have read.

I have that New England in a 28,  A Model 12 in a 28  All I shoot in the Model 12 is double A's but I think it has less then a 20 ga kick. 
 
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 8:26 PM | Reply #9 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 08/10/2007
Location: ND
taylorman  would be interested in that gun if u would let it go.  I live near minot. Give me a holler.
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 8:46 PM | Reply #10 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/09/2002
Location: ND
mauserG33-40 Said:
I have that New England in a 28,  A Model 12 in a 28  All I shoot in the Model 12 is double A's but I think it has less then a 20 ga kick. 

The NE is a single shot and I would really like to get a pump.  The Model 12 in a 28 would be a pretty decent gun for a kid that's a little older, like maybe a 10-12 yr old because that thing should have a full length barrel of what, 28 or 30 inches?  If so, too long for a 6 yr old, I would have to get both the stock and barrel cut.

One thing I have already learned about the kid is he's a fast study, so he will be ready to go to a pump pretty quickly if we get just get out and shoot a bunch this summer. At least for trap and turkeys.  Probably keep him restricted to one shot even in the pump for the first year or two while hiking.  

I went far too long with a single shot shotgun before I graduated to a pump, probably from like age 9 to 13 before I bought the Mossberg with my earnings from working on the farm.  Good Lord, can't believe I owned that thing for 20+ years!


“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.” ~ Mark Twain
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 8:53 PM | Reply #11 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/22/2003
Location: ND
My son is is shooting the 20 ga bantam, fits him well at the age of 8.  have him shooting light trap loads with good success.  PM me if you would like to shoot it.

If it flies it dies!

Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 8:57 PM | Reply #12 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 05/24/2008
Location: Mo
.  Good Lord, can't believe I owned that thing for 20+ years!




Wait till you get my age and look into the gun safe and there is a single shot 22 you bought when you were 13.   hauled a lot of bales to get that 19.99 and send it into Sears.  You are doing the right thing for your son.
 
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 9:29 PM | Reply #13 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/27/2009
Location: ND
Seriously consider a 20 ga. 3" purchase.  Starting out with light 2 3/4" loads, the recoil isn't too bad, the selection of shells are WAY BETTER and FAR LESS EXPENSIVE, youth models are available in many models, and when the time/growth comes, the 20-3" will cover waterfowl also.  (ever try to find 28ga and 20ga 2 3/4 steel!)  Cut down the stock if you have to, then buy a replacement full-sized stock when the time comes.  WIN-WIN! 
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 9:42 PM | Reply #14 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/08/2003
Location: ND
If it comes down to it and your interested in a 4:10  I got a very nice huglu (spell ??) sounds like hoooglue that I picked up in Turkey that would fit the bill. Double barrel single trigger with the slector up top. Both my kids have used it but not more than 50 rounds have been put through it.

Good luck as kids are the future for the sport!!!!!
 

Good Luck and Good Fishin'

Eric T


Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/28/2012 10:55 PM | Reply #15 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/01/2007
Location: ND
 What do you hate so much about the Mossberg Bantam? It cycles well, is a lot smaller than most shotguns, and has a top tang safety.
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/29/2012 07:06 AM | Reply #16 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/25/2009
Location: ND
I'd check out a Winchester Ranger 120 Youth, my brother had one when he was about 9 and shot it without any problems, we also had an Ithaca Ultra Featherlight and it was lighter and smaller with a shorter LOP but it would probably knock a 6 year old down.   
Hunt in your own state or move here and pay taxes. 
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/29/2012 09:02 AM | Reply #17 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/09/2002
Location: ND
webs Said:
 What do you hate so much about the Mossberg Bantam? It cycles well, is a lot smaller than most shotguns, and has a top tang safety.


Actually, I LOVE the top tang safety.  That was the deciding factor for me when I bought a Mossberg as a kid, liked the idea of having the safety right there to see.

The problem with my Mossberg, and that of most others I've known to shoot them, is they don't cycle worth a crap if you are shooting overhead at ducks.  That and I had to replace the safety on mine about three times until the replacement was finally that slightly thicker piece of plastic.  They would crack right through the screw hole and fall off.


Hmmm, kinda liking that Winchester Ranger 120 idea, I'll have to look into seeing if I can find one to touch.  I found one on the web that looks pretty much the right size with 22 inch barrel and the price is right.  USMC DI, do you know how it compares to the Mossberg Bantam series of pumps? 
“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.” ~ Mark Twain
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/29/2012 09:37 AM | Reply #18 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 11/06/2002
Location: ND
Allen where are you located? I have in my cabinent three youth guns that he could try if it is practial. BPS 20, CD 20 semi auto, Win 20 youth pump,
In my lifetime I have seen fence row to fence row farming and the return of CRP and game to the landscape.Now we face again the prosepect of fence row to fence row again! Sportsman are our own worst enemy in that we fail to look forward and focus to much on the now!
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/29/2012 11:48 AM | Reply #19 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/09/2002
Location: ND

Hardwaterman,

I am in Bismarck.   Thinking about doing a roundrobin of the local gun shops today to see what else is locally available.

The BPS is an interesting prospect because of its ambidextrous nature.  We still don't know for sure if he is right or left eye dominant.  I've randomly checked him about a half-dozen times and it's been 50-50 so far.  I think he's screwing with me and treating it like a game so I am still uncertain as to if he's right or left eye dominant.

We still have a few months before the weather is consistently decent enough to get out and do a bunch of shooting.  I am pretty sure we are going to hook him up with shooting lessons from Capitol City.  I've heard nothing but good things about his shooting lessons.  So my goal is to find a decent fitting gun by April.

 

“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.” ~ Mark Twain
Re: Youth (bantam) shotgun
by on 01/29/2012 11:52 AM | Reply #20 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 08/12/2003
Location: ND
Allen Said:
The Model 12 in a 28 would be a pretty decent gun for a kid that's a little older, like maybe a 10-12 yr old because that thing should have a full length barrel of what, 28 or 30 inches?  If so, too long for a 6 yr old, I would have to get both the stock and barrel cut.
It's that $3500+ price tag of the Model 12 28ga that hampers most.
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Posted On: 01/28/2012 6:26 PM
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Tags: bantam, shotgun, youth, one, scheels, i'd, shooting, looking, decent, stopped
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Categories: Hunting > Guns and Ammo - Shotguns, Rifles, Airguns, Handguns
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