Good all around 20ga or 410

[saskbooknut]

While I agree that a gas operated semi-auto 20 gauge in a youth model would be a good choice -
I have to dissent on the statement "every bit as effective on game as a 12 gauge, Ammo is the same price".
20 gauge non-toxic ammunition is not as effective for waterfowl, particularly geese, as commonly available 12 gauge loads. Nor is that 20 gauge non-toxic ammunition as cheap. You just can't stuff enough steel shot in a 20 gauge hull, and bismuth or tungsten shot while very effective, is also very expensive.
The 20 gauge can be the near equal of the 12 gauge for upland game, but at the price of extra recoil in a light gun.
20 gauge target ammo when sale priced, can be near the same price as 12 gauge promo loads.

 

[john-brennan]

I would be willing to bet that If you pick up a 20ga for her and blast some pumpkins, you will find yourself picking it up for more than just pumpkins when she isn’t using it.

I bought a single shot .410 for my son and a SKB 1900 semi 20ga for when he got older and the .410 kicks more than the 20ga so needless to say he uses the 20 and has only shot the .410 once.

 

[Jmcc]

One thing to be conscious of if the total weight of the gun.

heavy will help decrease the recoil but my son started to comment how heavy it was getting on our LONG partridge walk

 

[Stevefancypix]

The first shotgun I ever used was a .410. It's not a bad starter gun, but I probably wouldn't want to hunt with it. First time I hunted was with a 20 gauge and I still use a 20 today. For a first hunt I'd feel a lot more comfortable with a 28 gauge even though it's a much less common size. The little larger shell just kills birds that much better and the kick is easy to handle for a young person.