If you buy a 20 you will end up replacing it for the kid with a 12. The 20 ga target loads availible hold 7/8 oz of #9 a fine load on 16 yard targets even in a 12 but will be inadequate on handicap and 2nd shot doubles. Patterns of 7/8 oz of 8's and 7 1/2 shot will not be dense enough or fast enough for good breaks on 35 to 45 yard targets. So buy once cry once and again ammo will be the issue (the scarecity of it) for someone just getting into the game. You asked
His school actually supplies all 12ga ammo to the shooters made possible through donations ... if you choose to shoot a 20ga you have to supply that yourself
