Looking for a semi-auto, 20ga as a birthday present for my soon to be 10 year old. Would it be best to take him to get fitted properly or are the youth models pretty much good for a certain age range?

Would Collector's be the go-to for big selection and fitting? I know there are more higher end shotgun outfitters, but I'm looking for budget with this gun ($300-$600 range).

Eyeguy - what kind of stuff do you carry in store? I'd love to come by if you've got something available.

Whichever route I go, I'll probably be looking to pull the trigger here in the next week or so. TIA!

TriStar Viper and Weatherby SA-08 would be good choices in your budget.

Tristar Raptor youth model. When he gets bigger, buy the $60 standard sized butt stock from Tristar to replace the smaller youth butt stock.

Remington 11-87

I bought my son the Weatherby SA-08 Youth 20ga. Now it's been passed down to his younger brother and a nephew. Great little gun.

Thanks for the recommendations everyone.

As of now, I'm leaning towards the Viper G2 in the red, since that's his favorite color, but that Weatherby looks like a solid gun as well.

Does anyone have a line on where to find the Tristar guns in person? Seems like all their sales are through dealers online.

civilized05 said:

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Does anyone have a line on where to find the Tristar guns in person? Seems like all their sales are through dealers online.

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DU Events. TriStars are a great way to bring the average $/gun down.

In all seriousness, they're not bad guns for the money. I talk to a rep there a few times a year on our orders, and they've been great to work with. I hear they're pretty easy on warranty work too.

Eyeguy can help or Brileys is good to talk to if you are in Houston. Briley's is shotgun focused and good to talk about options.

Have not used the guns mentioned above, but I have tried different shotguns with my kids. It is way outside your price range, but my final learning from working with youth shooting was that the 20ga Beretta A400 with the KO system is the best for youth. Expensive, but it is a gun that will last and the kids never complained about shooting it.

I've thought about going that route, but didn't want to spend the money right now. I've got an A400 and LOVE the kick-off system and have been toying with getting a 20ga. for the wife.

I figure I'll get this budget gun, let it run through my three kids and when each gets old enough I'll spring for a legit SA or OU when the time is right.