First Shotgun For Youth Shooters

[elkhunter11]

I was shooting the 410 at skeet yesterday, and a discussion started as to starting new shooters out with a 410. While it will break clays, and it will kill birds at close ranges, I would not start a youth out with a 410. The recoil is light, but starting a new shooter out with a 410 usually just leads to frustration for the shooter. I would much rather start a new shooter out with a 20 gauge gas operated semi auto, as they will hit a great deal more , and will be encouraged, rather than discouraged. While a semi auto 20 gauge will cost more than a 410 single shot, the cost of ammunition will be much cheaper, and if the youth shoots a lot , the ammunition savings will soon pay for the difference in initial cost of the gun. And as the shooter grows, a 20 gauge semi auto will likely still get used for upland birds, not abandoned in a safe as happens with many 410 shotguns.