I just went through this for grandkids. I went with a Browning BPS Micro Midas in 20 gauge. It's not the cheapest up-front, but should work out well as time goes by. With the tang safety and bottom eject left handers won't be a problem, the LOP is 13" with two additional 1/4" spacers, and Browning offers a "growth insurance" deal that's 50% off a full size stock - which I did immediately.
The kids will have access to a nice 20 gauge for now and for life. I have a good pointing dog so for now on pheasants I'll go with 7/8 oz. 6 shot at a touch over 1200 fps.
