As I’ve mentioned in past post I’ve got 20-30 new youth shooters ranging from 8-17. So far everyone is having fun progressing through our safety stages. We're at the stage where parents are asking questions about guns. Right now we have 5-6 club guns that we use during practice. As the kids decide they want to truly explore shooting sports, we encourage them to get their own gun. As then they can make sure they have proper gun fit and can also practice mounting etc when not at the range.
Here is a draft I'm putting together and would love to get some feedback. I'm also looking for brands that fall into each category. As many of these kids will be shooting trap, skeet and sporting, I'm wanting to point the parents towards a gun that can do all 3 versus a specialized gun like a BT-99.
Buying Your Youth’s First Shotgun: A Guide for Parents
What Should You Buy?
When it comes to purchasing a first shotgun for your youth, the right choice depends on their age, size, and experience level. Typically, for shooters aged 13 or older, it's a good idea to invest in a 12-gauge shotgun right away. However, for smaller-framed or younger shooters, starting with a 20-gauge can be a great option. The 20-gauge will serve as a stepping stone, but the goal should be to transition to a 12-gauge as soon as the shooter is ready. The best advice I was ever given was "Buy the best shotgun you can afford and you won't go wrong."
Shotgun Progression
As your child grows and gets more involved in the sport, expect them to go through a progression of 2 to 3 different guns. This is perfectly normal! The shotgun they start with at 9 years old will likely not be the same one they’re using at 17. Unlike other sports equipment, firearms tend to retain their value over time. You can often resell a well-maintained shotgun for close to what you paid, with only a minor difference in price (typically ±10%).
Types of Shotguns
I’ve broken down shotguns into four categories: Beginner, Starter, Committed, and Serious. Each stage reflects the shooter’s experience level, commitment to the sport, and expected usage.
1. Beginner Shotguns
Choosing the right shotgun is an important decision for any young shooter. It’s essential to consider your child’s size, strength, and commitment to the sport when selecting a firearm. While the progression from beginner to serious shotgun can seem daunting, each step is designed to ensure they have the right equipment for their current needs.
Remember, firearms tend to hold their value well, so consider each purchase as part of your shooter’s journey rather than a permanent decision. By investing wisely, you can ensure that they enjoy shooting sports safely and successfully for years to come.
Here is a draft I'm putting together and would love to get some feedback. I'm also looking for brands that fall into each category. As many of these kids will be shooting trap, skeet and sporting, I'm wanting to point the parents towards a gun that can do all 3 versus a specialized gun like a BT-99.
Buying Your Youth’s First Shotgun: A Guide for Parents
What Should You Buy?
When it comes to purchasing a first shotgun for your youth, the right choice depends on their age, size, and experience level. Typically, for shooters aged 13 or older, it's a good idea to invest in a 12-gauge shotgun right away. However, for smaller-framed or younger shooters, starting with a 20-gauge can be a great option. The 20-gauge will serve as a stepping stone, but the goal should be to transition to a 12-gauge as soon as the shooter is ready. The best advice I was ever given was "Buy the best shotgun you can afford and you won't go wrong."
Shotgun Progression
As your child grows and gets more involved in the sport, expect them to go through a progression of 2 to 3 different guns. This is perfectly normal! The shotgun they start with at 9 years old will likely not be the same one they’re using at 17. Unlike other sports equipment, firearms tend to retain their value over time. You can often resell a well-maintained shotgun for close to what you paid, with only a minor difference in price (typically ±10%).
Types of Shotguns
I’ve broken down shotguns into four categories: Beginner, Starter, Committed, and Serious. Each stage reflects the shooter’s experience level, commitment to the sport, and expected usage.
1. Beginner Shotguns
- Ideal Age Range: 8 to 10 years old
- Purpose: To have fun, learn the basics, and build confidence.
- Description: These guns are smaller and lightweight, specifically designed for young shooters who are just starting. They are typically basic, often hunting-based models, meant to fit the shooter more than anything else. The focus here is on comfort and safety, not long-term use.
- Gauge: 20 Gauge. (28-gauge and .410 are not recommended due to the cost of ammo and the higher skill level required to hit targets.)
- Price Range: $500 - $700
- Note: This gun is a stepping stone. Your youth will outgrow it, but it’s a valuable introduction to shooting sports.
- Example Guns:
- Mossberg 500/505/510 Bantam
- Remington 870 Youth Model
- TriStar Viper G2 Youth
- Yildiz Lineage Youth
- Ideal Experience: New Shooter
- Purpose: To practice regularly and start participating in local competitions.
- Description: These are reliable, dedicated sporting guns designed for skeet, trap, and sporting clays, not for hunting. A good starter gun will last for several years and can handle shooting once or twice a week, including a few competitions per year. For smaller shooters, a semi-automatic can reduce recoil and improve comfort, while more experienced shooters may opt for an over/under shotgun.
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. (A 20-gauge is acceptable but may require upgrading as they progress.)
- Price Range: $800 - $2,000
- Example Guns:
- Beretta A300/A400
- CZ Redhead Premier
- SKB RS300
- Franchi Instinct/Affinity
- Ideal Experience: 2-3 years of shooting sports
- Purpose: For serious youth shooters who are ready to compete frequently and shoot hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds per year.
- Description: These shotguns are built for heavy use and high-level performance. They are durable, reliable, and most commonly found in the over/under configuration. These are the firearms for shooters who participate in regular competitions and spend a lot of time practicing.
- Price Range: $1,800 - $3,000
- Example Guns:
- Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon
- Browning 725 Sporting
- Fabarm Elos
- Browning Citori CX
- Ideal Experience: 5+ years of shooting sports
- Purpose: For the dedicated competitor planning to continue shooting into adulthood.
- Description: These are professional-level shotguns for individuals who shoot 10,000 rounds or more per year. They are built to last for years of high-intensity use and come with advanced features tailored for competition.
- Price Range: Starting at $8,000 and can go much higher depending on customization and brand.
- Example Guns:
- Krieghoff K-80
- Perazzi MX8
- Blaser F3
- Zoli Z-Sport
Choosing the right shotgun is an important decision for any young shooter. It’s essential to consider your child’s size, strength, and commitment to the sport when selecting a firearm. While the progression from beginner to serious shotgun can seem daunting, each step is designed to ensure they have the right equipment for their current needs.
Remember, firearms tend to hold their value well, so consider each purchase as part of your shooter’s journey rather than a permanent decision. By investing wisely, you can ensure that they enjoy shooting sports safely and successfully for years to come.
