re: What shotgun should I get for my 11 year old son?

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- 12 or 20 gauge, and why?

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If he is recoil-shy, stick with 20 gauge. But I will tell you that 12 gauge shells will be easier to find and you will be able to find more variety in them in most places.

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- Over/Under, Side by side, pump, automatic?

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A semi auto will have the least felt recoil since some of the energy is transferred into the bolt to chamber the next shell. But he could probably handle a 20 gauge pump just fine. Same goes for an O/U or SxS.

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- what manufacturer?

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I think the Remington 870 is the perfect pump but some people are anti-Remington as of lately.

For a semi auto, Benelli and Beretta know what's up.

EDIT: Forgot to mention the Mossberg 930 or Winchester SX3. Both are good semi auto shotties.

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- would probably need youth model for him, regular for me

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Well, depending on your preferences for YOUR gun, it will probably vary in what he wants. If you want a simple, affordable pump 12 gauge, A Remington 870 or Mossberg 500/590 are hard to beat.

But if you prefer semi auto, like I said, take a look at Benelli or Beretta.