Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns Recommend first shotgun for a teen boy?

Maybe a used 12 ga Browning BPS. 3” is plenty. I think they are among the best made pumps, if a little heavy. I started out shooting 12 gauge a little younger than that. If it was a girl, would look at a 20 ga. But for a boy, even if a 12 is a touch big now, it will be fine in a year or two.

I had a 3.5” Mossberg 835 for a while. Most mule kicking gun I’ve ever shot, and I don’t mind Mossbergs. My 10 ga BPS is pretty tolerable in comparison.

Sorry, missed that he bought one. Forget what I said.

Old shotguns and steel shot are not generally compatible. A set of screw in chokes could solve his problem. My M12 has a Cutts with an IC tube. That should handle steel.

Jack

For a general all around shotgun I'd get a Mossberg 500. An 870 Wingmaster (not an Express model) is not in his price range. I have an early 870 express and like it but I'd shy away from current ones. My son had a later express and it rusted very quick even with proper care.

Bought an 870 when I was 15 with my hay making money....I almost flunked out of school loading ammo instead of homework...I shot tons of doves and pheasants ....and a few quail...kinda hard to hit with full choke....I still use that old 870 and it has never failed..I picked up an Ithaca 37 a few years ago and like it too.. Either one would be great....I would recommend a nicer model lik a wingmaster...this will be with him for life...