Looking for Youth Autoloader

gasparilla

12 or 20 gauge - Remington, Winchester, browning, Weatherby - want an automatic with either the short stock or gas recoil (so it could be cut down). Looking for two, one for son and one for daughter.

Going to buy new this summer, but never hurts to post and see what's out there.

abacofever

Have an 1100 12Ga, beater.. rattle can painted camo. 26" Hastings Barrel w\Tubes plus extra Rem-Skeet Barrel. I think you can cut about 2" off the stock without interfering with the Main Spring.. If interested I will measure how much can be cut off the stock.. I am in Davie. $300

gasparilla

Thanks abacofever - would you be able to measure that for me? Would rather cut on a "beater" than something off the rack. My concern is that the spring won't give me enough room for the LOP I'll need . . .

abacofever

Its at another location. I will go by on Friday and grab it out of the safe and pull recoil pad. Will try to get back to you by Friday night.

abacofever

Gasparllia... Measured and can only reduce by 3/4 of an inch. So... With no recoil pad the stock can be cut to a length of pull of 12" add a 1" pad and you are at LOP 13". Add a 1/2" pad,,of course would be 12-1/2".

kids really need the the cushion of a good recoil pad so as not to scare them off and help them stay focused on the target and Shooting mechanics. My guess is you need to be in the 12.25-12.50 range with a 1" pad.

Off the top of my head I can't think of a Semi Auto that will work. There may be one but without taking off the but stock and measuring to the top of the main spring tube you can't be sure ?
You may want to consider a 20Ga pump gun that will accept 3" shells. As they age they can move up to 3" which should have just about the same # of pellets as a 2-3/4" 12Ga or .. My friends 12 yo has a single shot break barrel in 20Ga with a super soft recoil pad. It is easy to swing and light...!
Good Luck..

gasparilla

Thanks abacofever - you confirmed my suspicion. I really appreciate you taking the time to measure that.

The auto loader would cushion the recoil somewhat. From my research and talking to our gunsmith, if I can find a youth model that is gas recoil and not a Remington, he thinks he could get the lop down where we need it (measured at 10 1/2 inches today, but we're gonna cheat that in the direction of growth).

For him, I may just get the 1187 youth. Then I can grow the stock with him

I've read where there used to be a youth model 1100; really wish I could find one in 12 for my girl. Or that the 1187 youth could be 12 or 20. Oh well.

Pinman

If you can find an Ithaca 51 it makes a great gun for a kid. Lightweight and low recoil gas operated autoloader. My sons shot a 12 GA starting about age 10. The slide assembly has a tendency to break and replacements were non-existent until recently. Stocks are readily available though and I cut one down for my kids.

Good luck with your search and getting your kids out!

gasparilla

Thanks pinman - I'll check out gun trader/broker to see what's out there.

Pinman

Also check out the Mossberg SA-20 Bantam Youth. Lightest weight 20 GA autoloader I have ever held. My daughter has been shooting one since about age 10.