What Shotgun Is Best For Kids?

With a 20-gauge semi-automatic shotgun in their hands and you by their side, any kid will be ready to learn how to shoot—and have fun while doing it. There's a lot for them to learn before they pick up a shotgun. But when the time comes for them to get one, here are some things to consider.

Is Your Child Ready For A Shotgun?

Until a child weighs around 100 pounds, you're better off focusing their energies on just getting outdoors. If you want them to learn how to shoot, start with a pellet gun and then graduate to a rimfire single-shot bolt rifle, under your supervision. Shotguns ‘kick,’ and handling them safely requires body mass and upper-body strength. So regardless of how mature a kid is or how much time they've spent around firearms, if they're too small, shooting a shotgun—any shotgun—isn't a good idea.

Shotgun Recoil Can Intimidate A Child

The first time your child fires a shotgun, they're going to be thinking about recoil—the energy that causes the gun to jerk backward when it is fired—so be sure to take this into account. If a gun kicks a lot and hurts them, your kid may be reluctant to try shooting again.

A Smaller-Gauge Shotgun Won’t Always Produce Less Recoil

Remember these two formulas as you introduce your kid to shotguns: 

• Light guns + heavy or high brass loads = lots of recoil  
• Heavier guns + lighter or low brass loads = less recoil  

Just to be safe, keep your kids away from any kind of magnum loads. They aren't worth all the recoil they generate.

Youth Model Shotguns Are Not The Best Choice For All Youths

Each year, Santa leaves short-stocked shotguns—marketed to gullible parents as "youth" guns—under thousands of trees. But by the time most kids are strong enough to handle a shotgun, most of these "kid-appropriate" models are too small. And while you can always lengthen the stock, you can't do the same with the barrel.

A better option is to purchase a shotgun a child can grow into—instead of a "youth" model, buy a regular shotgun with a 26" barrel and a standard stock. Then have a gunsmith cut down the stock to fit. When your kid gets older, you can add this piece back on. Or choose a shotgun model that offers a range of stock sizes. Then you can swap in bigger stocks as your kid grows.

The Right Shotgun Will Grow With Your Child

Now that you've considered all these variables, you're ready to make the big decision: Which type of shotgun should you buy for a young shooter? While a semi-automatic in 20-gauge will be a bit on the expensive side, there are several reasons it's probably the best choice for your child’s first shotgun.

1 | Less Recoil

First, with its self-loading design, a semi-auto will soak up a lot of recoil. This makes it fun to shoot. And if you want a kid to go shooting again and again, make sure they have fun every time. 

2| Smaller Shotgun Proportions

Second, the scaled-down proportions of a 20 gauge is a good fit for the smaller hands and frame of a young shooter. But while a 20-gauge shotgun is small, it’s not too small, so a kid can grow into one and use it for years. 

3 | Affordable, Easy-To-Find Shotgun Ammunition 

Finally, 20-gauge ammunition is easy to find and affordable, unlike ammo for 28 gauges and .410s.

With a little instruction and practice, soon enough your child will be ready to hunt birds. Together, you can get started on creating memories you'll both cherish forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age are youth shotguns for?

Most youth shotguns are marketed to parents of children between the ages of 9 and 12, but they may not make the best choice because a child will quickly outgrow the proportions of the shotgun.

What size shotgun is best for a 10-year-old?

In our opinion, if you’re considering purchasing a shotgun for a 10-year-old, it is best to consult with a firearms professional regarding the size of the shooter and the intended use of the gun.

What is the single-shot shotgun for youth?

This is a shotgun that can hold and fire only one shotgun shell at a time. Because of its ‘youth’ designation, you can expect it to come with a shorter stock than a standard shotgun.

Is a .410 shotgun good for kids?

Yes. A .410 shotgun has a mild recoil and is often used for shotgun instruction. It makes a good first shotgun for a child.

Is there a youth 12-gauge shotgun?

Yes, some 12-gauge shotguns are designed specifically for youths; they’re typically made with a shorter stock and forearm and weigh less than a standard 12-gauge shotgun. Keep in mind if you purchase this type of shotgun, your child will outgrow it quickly.

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