Introducing children to shooting sports requires careful consideration of safety and comfort, especially when it comes to recoil. This list covers some of the best shotguns with the softest recoil designed specifically for kids or young shooters. Each option balances manageable recoil with quality design, helping young shooters build confidence and enjoy their time at the range or in the field.
1. Mossberg 500 Youth 20 Gauge
The Mossberg 500 Youth model is a classic pump-action shotgun chambered in 20 gauge, which naturally produces less recoil than 12 gauge models. It features a shorter 18.5-inch barrel and an 18.5-inch length of pull, making it easier for smaller frames to handle. The synthetic stock reduces weight, and the reliable pump action is ideal for beginners learning gun safety and operation.
2. Savage Stevens 320 Youth 20 Gauge
The Stevens 320 Youth is a semi-automatic 20 gauge shotgun designed with young shooters in mind. It has a lightweight synthetic stock and a reduced length of pull at 13.5 inches, perfect for kids. Its inertia-driven system offers smooth cycling with minimal felt recoil, making it a comfortable choice for novice shooters.
3. Henry Youth Model Lever Action 20 Gauge
Henry’s Youth Model lever-action shotgun is a 20 gauge that combines traditional styling with a youth-sized frame. It has a 19-inch barrel and a 13.5-inch length of pull, which fits smaller shooters well. The lever action inherently produces softer recoil compared to pump or semi-auto designs, plus its brass receiver adds a touch of classic appeal.
4. CZ-USA 612 Youth 20 Gauge
The CZ 612 Youth is a semi-automatic 20 gauge shotgun that offers a 19.5-inch barrel and a shortened length of pull at 13.5 inches. CZ’s gas-operated system reduces recoil significantly, allowing kids to shoot comfortably without flinching. The synthetic stock and matte black finish make it durable for outdoor use.
5. Remington 870 Youth 20 Gauge
The Remington 870 Youth model is a well-known pump-action shotgun built on the legendary 870 platform but scaled down for younger shooters. It has an 18.5-inch barrel and a 13.5-inch length of pull, with a lightweight synthetic stock. The 20 gauge chambering keeps recoil manageable while maintaining the reliability the 870 series is famous for.
6. Mossberg 590 Youth 20 Gauge
This pump-action tactical-style shotgun from Mossberg comes in a youth version chambered in 20 gauge. It features an 18.5-inch barrel and a reduced length of pull around 13.5 inches, fitting smaller shooters comfortably. The 590’s robust design and recoil pad help absorb kick, making it a solid choice for kids learning gun handling.
7. Stoeger M3000 Youth 20 Gauge
The Stoeger M3000 Youth is a semi-automatic 20 gauge shotgun designed for young shooters who want a reliable, low-recoil option. It has a 20-inch barrel and a synthetic stock with a shorter length of pull suitable for smaller shooters. The gas-operated action softens recoil and promotes smooth cycling for a pleasant shooting experience.
8. Browning BPS Youth 20 Gauge
The Browning BPS Youth is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 20 gauge, known for its bottom ejection and durability. It features a shortened stock and a length of pull around 13.5 inches, ideal for kids. The BPS’s solid build and recoil pad help minimize felt recoil, making it a dependable choice for youth shooters.
9. Marlin Model 60 Youth 20 Gauge
While Marlin Model 60 is traditionally a .22 rifle, the youth 20 gauge shotgun variant offers a lightweight, low-recoil option with a 20-inch barrel and compact stock. Its semi-automatic action provides smooth cycling, and the synthetic stock keeps weight down, making it easy for kids to handle and shoot comfortably.
10. CZ-USA 712 Youth 20 Gauge
The CZ 712 Youth is a gas-operated semi-automatic 20 gauge shotgun that offers low recoil and a lightweight design. It has a 20-inch barrel and a shortened length of pull at approximately 13.5 inches, specifically tailored for smaller frames. Its synthetic stock and reliable action provide a soft shooting experience ideal for young beginners.
How to Choose
When selecting a shotgun with soft recoil for kids, the first factor to consider is gauge. The 20 gauge is generally preferred over 12 gauge for youth shooters because it delivers less recoil while still providing sufficient power for most beginner applications. Next, pay close attention to the length of pull—the distance from the trigger to the end of the stock—which should be short enough for the child to comfortably reach and control the shotgun. Lightweight synthetic stocks help reduce overall weight, making the gun easier to carry and handle. Additionally, recoil pads and gas-operated or inertia-driven actions can soften felt recoil significantly. Finally, the shotgun’s action type (pump, semi-auto, lever) affects both recoil and ease of use; semi-automatics and lever actions tend to have softer recoil, but pumps are often more durable and easier to maintain for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is 20 gauge recommended for kids instead of 12 gauge?
20 gauge shotguns produce less recoil and are generally lighter, making them easier and safer for young shooters to handle.
Q: Can kids safely shoot 12 gauge shotguns?
While some older or larger kids might handle 12 gauge with proper training and recoil mitigation, it’s usually better to start with 20 gauge to avoid discouragement and injury.
Q: What is the ideal length of pull for a youth shotgun?
Most youth shotguns have a length of pull between 12.5 and 14 inches, depending on the child’s size. It should allow the shooter to comfortably reach the trigger without stretching or cramping.
Q: Are semi-automatic shotguns better for reducing recoil?
Semi-automatic shotguns often have gas or inertia systems that absorb some recoil, making them softer to shoot compared to pump actions, but they may be more complex to maintain.
Q: Is a synthetic stock better than wood for youth shotguns?
Synthetic stocks are lighter and more weather-resistant, which helps reduce weight and maintenance for young shooters.
Q: How important is a recoil pad for kids’ shotguns?
Very important. A good recoil pad can significantly reduce felt recoil and prevent bruising, making shooting more comfortable and encouraging continued interest.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a shotgun with soft recoil for kids is crucial to fostering a safe and enjoyable shooting experience. The 20 gauge models listed here strike a balance between manageable recoil, appropriate size, and reliable performance. Prioritizing factors like length of pull, weight, and recoil mitigation technology ensures that young shooters can learn proper technique and build confidence without discomfort. Whether you prefer pump-action reliability or semi-auto softness, these youth shotguns provide excellent options for introducing the next generation to shooting sports.
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