20 gauge pump

An SXP is a decent gun for a reasonable cost. But for a 14 year old, unless he is very small for his age, I would be looking at 12 gauge, and starting with lighter loads. 20 gauge shotguns are usually lighter, and therefore recoil is no less than a 12 gauge, using the same payload of shot. Use 2-3/4" 12 gauge instead of 20 gauge 3" for waterfowl, and use target loads for upland birds. And a gas operated semi auto 12 gauge, produces less recoil than a 20 gauge pump action, with similar loads.
 
Agree with SJ, I went a step further and bought my daughter a 20g semi auto with 2 3/4 loads it has worked just fine .It was a Tristar paid $620 and she has put a case through it now no issues.
 
reddog said:
Agree with SJ, I went a step further and bought my daughter a 20g semi auto with 2 3/4 loads it has worked just fine .It was a Tristar paid $620 and she has put a case through it now no issues.
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A friend bought a Mossberg gas operated semi for his young daughter, she is small, and it is light enough for her, yet recoil isn't an issue.
 
Mossberg makes a good quality but slightly clunky pump. It has a huge aftermarket following and offers the bantam style stock as well. Also various length barrels are available in smooth and rifled versions
 
If you are looking for a pump gun for your son - do not turn down a good deal on a 12 gauge - many loads available will have similar or less recoil than some 20 gauge rounds. Back in the day, I had a Remington Wingmaster in 20 gauge, that was built on a 12 gauge frame. Weight, balance and fit of the gun likely makes a difference in what he wants to carry. If money is no issue, maybe consider a 28 gauge - guns probably similar cost, but ammo typically a LOT more expensive than promo 12 gauge. It partially depends on the game being hunted - most of Canada still allows lead shot for upland game birds - like grouse - so a 3/4 ounce 28 gauge is completely adequate for that, but I think most of Canada requires "non-toxic" shot for migratory birds - many folks use steel - by far the cheapest, although other materials available - like Bismuth, or Tungsten or alloys of those - so 12 gauge or even 10 gauge get the nod for waterfowl. My very first "decent" pump shotgun was a 12 gauge Browning Pump Shotgun - fixed modified choke, 26" barrel - our son has that one now. There is a 12, 20 and 28 BPS in the cabinet here, now, as well as a 12 gauge Winchester Model 12 and a Browning Synergy Euro Field in 28 gauge.
 
Potashminer said:
If you are looking for a pump gun for your son - do not turn down a good deal on a 12 gauge - many loads available will have similar or less recoil than some 20 gauge rounds. Back in the day, I had a Remington Wingmaster in 20 gauge, that was built on a 12 gauge frame. Weight, balance and fit of the gun likely makes a difference in what he wants to carry. If money is no issue, maybe consider a 28 gauge - guns probably similar cost, but ammo typically a LOT more expensive than promo 12 gauge. It partially depends on the game being hunted - most of Canada still allows lead shot for upland game birds - like grouse - so a 3/4 ounce 28 gauge is completely adequate for that, but I think most of Canada requires "non-toxic" shot for migratory birds - many folks use steel - by far the cheapest, although other materials available - like Bismuth, or Tungsten or alloys of those - so 12 gauge or even 10 gauge get the nod for waterfowl. My very first "decent" pump shotgun was a 12 gauge Browning Pump Shotgun - fixed modified choke, 26" barrel - our son has that one now. There is a 12, 20 and 28 BPS in the cabinet here, now, as well as a 12 gauge Winchester Model 12 and a Browning Synergy Euro Field in 28 gauge.
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Non toxic shot for migratory birds is a federal regulation, and it's far easier and cheaper to find non toxic loads for the 12 and 20 gauge. I use a 28 gauge myself for upland birds, and the 28 gauge loads that I use cost the same for 20 or 28 gauge.
 
The cost of ammo used is sort of what you want it to be - I recently picked up 10 boxes of Federal Heavy Field - 28 gauge, one ounce #6 lead shot - circa $369.49 after taxes. At same store, earlier this Fall, I bought 10 boxes of Federal "Top Gun" 20 gauge - 7/8 ounce #7.5 lead shot for $145.49. Mostly on me where I chose to live - that store is 2 1/2 hour drive there and then back home - I do not go often, and therefore do not get to "shop" or compare much for prices, any more. So, for me, the true "cost" includes the drive time to go get the stuff - 5 hours on the highway, both times. Couriers do not come out into the boonies here, so on-line ordering has NOT been an option for me.
 
I found the receipt for purchase at Canadian Tire in Yorkton, Sask - June 1, 2023 - 10 boxes Challenger "First Class Target Load" 12 gauge #7.5 lead shot was $166.49. So that has been my recent experience to buy factory shotgun ammo here in Western Manitoba - 12 gauge and 20 gauge not far apart - 28 gauge was more than double. Might be priced like .410 these days - and, of course, lots of different brands, lines, quality, etc. involved. If you paid $90 for a case of 28 gauge, be prepared for a pretty healthy "sticker shock" for your next case, unless you get to pick and choose what you get.
 
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