I think both Remington and Browning make youth sized semi's. I know that Beretta has one that's in the $800 range. But from what you're saying, that's the limit.

 

I did some searching in general in the youth segment recently. I know of no 12 gauges that are considered youth.

 

There's always a Remington 1100 (new or used) with a 26" barrel then cut the stock to fit.

 

Is there a particular reason for leading off with an auto?

Just curious

 

The best 12GA for youth is a 20GA. Let him grow into a 12.

 

i started my 12 yr old (turned 13 last week) with a 20ga pump with a sims recoil pad - he loved it. within 2 months he was ready for the 12ga and not just any 12 - he went straight to the o/u. we put a gooey pad on it to tame the recoil and it is a soft shooter with 1 1/8 oz target loads. he is tall and skinny and any felt recoil is going to knock him around but he can't feel anything (nor can i when he lets me shoot it). we were at the range yeasterday for trap practice and he shot 6 rounds over the course of 4 hours (150 shells) - no soreness, no pain, just a big smile when he psoted his best score.

don't underestimate your 12 yr old - a properly fit gun with a comfortable recoil pad will make all the difference and the 12 ga o/u is a fun gun to shoot.

now, all that being said, we just picked up a 11-87 semi auto for $600 off gunbroker. a near new gun with 30" barrel, should make an excellent addition to his armory. the remington 11-87 is a quality gun that can be serviced domestically and no problems with parts. don't be fooled into buying an inexpensive gun only to find the warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on and you can't get service or parts.

 

My 12 year old son is using a Charles Daly 20 gauge semi-auto with a youth stock. I paid $279 for the gun and another ~$40 for the stock. I can put the regular stock on it when he gets a little bigger. You could buy the 12 gauge, however there is no youth stock option. The LOP is only 13 7/8" so maybe if he could manage with the fullsize stock. BTW, he has fired this gun 800 rounds or so with no problems. I consider it a good deal.