20 ga is MUCH cheaper to shoot and several loads available--including light recoil to heavy loads

 

20 ga is MUCH cheaper to shoot and several loads available--including light recoil to heavy loads

Agreed. The 28s are right at twice the money to shoot if you do not reload. I like the 28 but not that much.

 

My general opinion is the 28 is a far better start for kids. Introducing kids to shooting is very much the wrong place to try to save money.

 

my grandson is the same size/weight/age. I bought him the Weatherby SA-08 Youth model in 20 gauge, but only because I reload and I can set him up with 28ga loads in the 20 ga hull. as he gets bigger, we can move up to the 20 ga loads. If I was buying factory ammo, I would have started him in the 28 ga gun. Especially if he is already recoil sensitive, I would go with the 28 ga.

 

My general opinion is the 28 is a far better start for kids. Introducing kids to shooting is very much the wrong place to try to save money.

I agree. Wholeheartedly!

That's why my son and daughter's guns are 28 gauge. They're shooting O/U guns and I wanted them to have the most terminal ballistic effect with the lowest recoil. Besides, I DO like the 28 gauge and I like it enough to pay what it costs for factory ammunition to shoot it.

People who think feeding ONE 28 gauge gun is pricey should try feeding THREE of them. But. you know, it's worth it to me. I'm a huge 28 gauge fanatic and will go to grave being one.

YMMV, and all of that....

 

Right on JP! I didn't want to distract from OPs question but I too love 28s and am currently searching for my 3rd. I reload 28 so costs are around $4 a box right now. 28ga is not only a great place to start kids it's also a great place to end up as an adult!

 

I would go with the 28 gauge to answer the original question. Get him a nice one and he will return to it many years later as well after he is grown.

 

I shoot at SP1 in both 12g and 20g. I just recently came to the conclusion that the 20g was likely the perfect clays and quail gun; note I have the field model in both.

I was just never that interested in the 28g; but this past week had the chance to shoot a few clays with the SP1 Sporting model in 28g. The Sporting 28g is heavier than my 20g field and honestly had next to no perceived recoil at all. I was very pleasantly surprised and thought "oh, now I see why people are hooked on the 28g". I fear what my next purchase will be...

Anyway to your question - I think either the 20g or 28g will serve your son well; but if minimal recoil is the deciding factor, and shell price in not a concern - then go for the 28g.

 

I went with the TriStar Two Stock youth Semi-Auto. Comes with a short youth stock and a short barrel, but also includes a full size butt stock and a barrel extension, for him to grow into.

 

I'm looking at either a Mossberg SA-20 or SA-28 both in the bantam wood stock model for my 8 year old. He is 4'2" and 50 pounds soaking wet.

IMHO the 28 gauge is the best option for almost any age as a starter selection. Putting a 4'2", 50 lb. person in a 20 gauge regardless of the load selection is probably comparable to putting a 6'0", 200 lb. person in a 10 gauge. The Mossberg SA-28 is an excellent choice for a beginner. Investing in a good reloader will pay dividends down the line if you anticipate him staying in the shooting game. The startup cost(s) can be appreciable but the payoff is priceless. Good luck.

 

My general opinion is the 28 is a far better start for kids. Introducing kids to shooting is very much the wrong place to try to save money.

Maybe I'm missing something? :s I own both the 20 & 28, the weight of the guns is so close that any difference is negligible. I perceive no difference in recoil, 7/8 oz @ 1250 fps should feel the same from a 28 or a 20.
I don't reload for the 28 therefore it stays home a lot. Cheapest target loads I've found are $10 a box, identical shells for the 20 can be had for $5-$6, by the flat on sale I've found 7/8 oz Rios @ $4.40.

 

28ga is 3/4oz.

 

My general opinion is the 28 is a far better start for kids. Introducing kids to shooting is very much the wrong place to try to save money.

Maybe I'm missing something? :s I own both the 20 & 28, the weight of the guns is so close that any difference is negligible. I perceive no difference in recoil, 7/8 oz @ 1250 fps should feel the same from a 28 or a 20.
I don't reload for the 28 therefore it stays home a lot. Cheapest target loads I've found are $10 a box, identical shells for the 20 can be had for $5-$6, by the flat on sale I've found 7/8 oz Rios @ $4.40.

I agree. I, too, have both. Not much difference in weight or recoil. Buying good light recoiling 20 gauge ammo is not somehow short changing a young shooter. In the long haul, over years, a solid 20 gauge will be far more versatile and useful than the 28.

 

20 ga is MUCH cheaper to shoot and several loads available--including light recoil to heavy loads

Unless you reload, 20 ga.

 

You can try the Low Recoil 20 gauge ammo of Winchester or Fiocchi and see if gun will function but I would not be surprised if it does. If so, quite a bit cheaper than 28 gauge ammo.

IMO, I like the more versatile 20 gauge and that is what I recommend but whatever you choose, make sure it fits well.

 

Why would it not function? CZ620 CZ628 side by side. I shoot anything I can in both guns.

 

If the gun will be used for turkey hunting, check your state's hunting regs. 28ga is specifically prohibited for turkey hunting in Illinois. Given your choices, I'd go with the 20ga.

but whatever you choose, make sure it fits well

I've acquired several youth guns for my kids and grandkids over the years, but back in my youth, shooting an ill-fitting shotgun was a rite of passage.

 

I don't disagree that the 20ga is a more versatile gun.

 

+1 for Tal/IL on checking the state hunting regs for turkey hunting. 28 gauge is not allowed for turkey in NH either. That's now two states that have chimed in. There is likely to be more.

Dan

 

I do enjoy the 28. There is something special about them even though there is no performance benefit. But my grandson is getting a gas auto 20 gauge. He loves to shoot and can go through 100 rounds shooting clays about as fast as I can. I don't want to start reloading the 28 and can't afford store bought 28s.

 

The cost factor is a ridiculous argument in this case. You will never shoot a bunch of shells for turkey hunting. I bet 10 boxes would last two lifetimes. Shells are 3-4 bucks more a box, for same to same comparisons. If 30-40 bucks makes or breaks any of us we shouldn't be shooting our money down the barrel of any gun!!! The 28 is a fabulous round, well suited for youth and adults alike. Keep your shots closer and he will be fine.

 

You will have more options with the guns and the ammo if you go with a 20 gauge. That is not to mention the cost savings in shooting a 20 gauge.

 

I'd get him a 20 ga without hesitation. Far better choice of guns available and far better ammo availability and selection. The pattern of a 28 gets pretty sparse for a beginners gun.

 

Since you already plan on reloading the 28 gauge for turkey, reloading 3/4 ounce loads with lead will be cheaper than loading the standard 7/8 ounce 20 gauge load. The 28 gauge is a great gun to start with and it works fine from quail to pheasant out to 45 yards. If in time the 28 is not enough gun he will likely need a 12 gauge so start em right with a 28.

 

My kids started with .410, then 20ga and of course, 12ga. My youngest kid still use 20ga. He's 15, but very skinny. Although he fired a couple 12ga at the range a few times. He handled it, but later his shoulder was sore. So he's back with his 20ga semiauto. He likes it, and the recoil is very light.

 

I LOVE a 28 ga. But, they aren't going to be quieter than a 20. Unless you reload, andI do, the cost of shells would break a Rockefeller.