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Hey guys, we just got trap shooting as a sport at the high school and junior high. Both the older boys (by older I mean 11 and 12) wanted to join so I signed them up yesterday. Looks like I’ll have an opportunity to be an assistant coach and RSO so that’s a huge plus. The issue I have at the moment is choosing the right shotgun for them. Yeah, I could buy them a cheap single shot for around $100 but I’d rather spend a few bucks and buy them something a little nicer. I’ve had my eye on a Rem 870 for myself for sometime and with that in mind, I brought the oldest boy with me today to go shotgun shopping. We ran into a Remington 870 youth, which I still admire the build quality (in the $300 range) over Mossberg and Winchester models they had. Everything just feels tighter.
On to the dilemma... should I buy them a pump action for trap or should I go with an over/under? For another $100 each I can pick up a Stoeger O/U, don’t have a lot of knowledge about those shotguns, not one local to handle.
Had them both shoulder my VR 60 to see if they could shoulder and shoot a full size 12ga. Nic, no way. He can barely hold it up and stabilize it but could easily handle the semi auto recoil with lights target loads. Keep in mind this is a 9.7 lb shotgun empty.
Max can shoulder a full size but it’s a bit of a reach. He can’t grab my forward grip and shoulder it. Thinking maybe a youth for him as well would be best for maneuverability. Should I buy the youth and let him shoot a year or so and upgrade him later or should I buy him a full size now and just get him used to handling it so he is already got a year under his belt with the same gun next year? I don’t mind buying another one next year if it’s best for him. He’s about the size of my neighbors 15 year old in height, maybe 5’6”. I think I know the answer here just looking for opinions. I don’t want him to not do well because it’s a little much to maneuver. Some of you guys have been shooting full size 12 gauges since his age.
Last question has to do with recoil. Head coach says he prefers 12ga but will allow 20ga for younger shooters. They are in the youngest 2 age groups. They will be shooting 25 rds each practice. I can shoot 12ga all day long and not be sore but for 11and 12, should I go 20ga? Is it a disadvantage for them to go 20 vs 12? (I don’t have a 20ga to compare to). In addition, weather permitting, they’ll be shooting another 100rds each practicing at home.
Last note, head coach doesn’t care the style or action, just can’t have an external hammer. Bummer, i might have went a different route altogether.
On to the dilemma... should I buy them a pump action for trap or should I go with an over/under? For another $100 each I can pick up a Stoeger O/U, don’t have a lot of knowledge about those shotguns, not one local to handle.
Had them both shoulder my VR 60 to see if they could shoulder and shoot a full size 12ga. Nic, no way. He can barely hold it up and stabilize it but could easily handle the semi auto recoil with lights target loads. Keep in mind this is a 9.7 lb shotgun empty.
Max can shoulder a full size but it’s a bit of a reach. He can’t grab my forward grip and shoulder it. Thinking maybe a youth for him as well would be best for maneuverability. Should I buy the youth and let him shoot a year or so and upgrade him later or should I buy him a full size now and just get him used to handling it so he is already got a year under his belt with the same gun next year? I don’t mind buying another one next year if it’s best for him. He’s about the size of my neighbors 15 year old in height, maybe 5’6”. I think I know the answer here just looking for opinions. I don’t want him to not do well because it’s a little much to maneuver. Some of you guys have been shooting full size 12 gauges since his age.
Last question has to do with recoil. Head coach says he prefers 12ga but will allow 20ga for younger shooters. They are in the youngest 2 age groups. They will be shooting 25 rds each practice. I can shoot 12ga all day long and not be sore but for 11and 12, should I go 20ga? Is it a disadvantage for them to go 20 vs 12? (I don’t have a 20ga to compare to). In addition, weather permitting, they’ll be shooting another 100rds each practicing at home.
Last note, head coach doesn’t care the style or action, just can’t have an external hammer. Bummer, i might have went a different route altogether.