My son's first gun...advice

Riplip · Post by **Riplip** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 10:08 am

My youngest is having a birthday. Time for a shotgun...I'm looking for feedback. I'm thinkin a Remington 870 or maybe a Benelli Nova??? He is 14, shoots ducks and pheasant, and is already a deadeye! He handles a 12g really well, though 26" might swing better for him? Also thinking something like the Nova that takes 31/2" might be more flexible down the road? Any suggestions or good deals appreciated...P.S. tryin to get-r-done this weekend if possible

<img src="/shared/photos/photohunt/resized/10_resized.jpg">

Dukslayer26 · Post by **Dukslayer26** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 10:44 am

Either one of those guns would be great. I had an 870 as one of my first guns when i was young. Canyon sports in martinez has a great selection of Nova's. I know the owner and he will give guys good deals on them. Good luck. They are on howe road of pacheco blvd.

Ken C. · Post by **Ken C.** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 11:39 am

I guess I would ask how big is he now and how fast is he growing? I ask because Remington does make an 870 youth model with a shorter stock and barrel.

Looks like he's already shooting a pump, so I would think he's OK with the kick. My other suggestion would be looking at an autoloader that'll have reduced kick on it. See if you can't find an 1100 LT model Remington, as they're a tad lighter. I started Jason out on a Mossberg 500 that I cut the stock on. Now it's a little too short for him so if he's going to keep it we need to replace the stock. Even some Walmart stores sell synthetic stocks for around $60.

Definitely go for a 12ga, since it throws a bigger pattern so it'll be easier for him to hit his target than with a 20 or even a 16.

Besides Canyon Sports you might want to try that place in Vacaville just off 80 @ Alamo Dr. - I think it's called "Guns, Fishing and other Stuff".

Riplip · Post by **Riplip** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 11:56 am

He's 5'7" and gonna be at least 6' for sure...I called Canyon and the place in Vacaville...They just want me to bring him to be fitted. I kinda wanted to surprise him...yeah 12 is the only way to go...

lippy · Post by **lippy** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 9:57 pm

Cant go wrong with the 870 or the nova.I would just try and think future what is he gonna want to hunt in the future,Nova 31/2 for turkey,Geese but if none of that is in his list then the 870.I have a nova and i still go back to my old 870 alot just love that gun.The auto loaders i dont like because i catch myself just shooting and not taking time to aim,MY 02

Gator · Post by **Gator** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 10:24 pm

Rip - Go with the fullsize 870. A youth version may fit him now but you'll be buyin another in a year or so.

My Dad bought me a "Youth Model" 20 guge at age 12 and Ioutgrew it at 14. I anin't that tall either. Go with a 26-28" 870 and you will give him a gun he can use for years to come.

Dan Stahlman · Post by **Dan Stahlman** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 9:46 am

Go with the 870 Super Mag which will handle three and a half inch shells. Put a Simms Limbsaver recoil pad on it (R3) and he'll leave it to his grandkids.
Dan

BigBossMan · Post by **BigBossMan** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 4:45 pm

The 870 and Nova are both excellent shotguns. Besides, this gun will eventually be back-up to his Super Black Eagle II or when he's ready it will be a SBE III or IV.

Another great shotgun is an 870 20 ga. 26" barrel, awesome upland gun. Don't forget, does he want synthetic or wood? Go with the shotgun that you can get the best deal.

Riplip · Post by **Riplip** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 9:50 am

Thanks to all who input...I had to make a tough decision based on budget vs needs...Nova would be perfect but close to $500...870-great gun at a great price but when I look at a magnum with multiple chokes...I went with a Stoeger 12g 26" barrel composite stock and 5 chokes...P-350 model. Made by Benelli, looks and feels like a nova, about half the $...

Ken C. · Post by **Ken C.** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:41 pm

How 'bout a picture when you bring it home?

I almost bought a Stoeger O/U a couple of years ago when they first came out but I was afeerd of getting it worked on if it needed it. That was before Benelli was involved.

So where'd you buy it?

Riplip · Post by **Riplip** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:00 pm

Can do with the picture...bought it at Canyon sports. We are gonna pop some clays at Thanksgiving (a family tradition) out at the ranch...I will try to take a few action shots.