12 Ga. ShotGun?

Question

can a small 13 year old shoot a 12 Gauge or is that to powerful if so please add tips!

Answer 1

I see a lot of yes answers. I don't think it is a good idea. For one thing what is he going to shoot at?  If shooting trap and skeet is his thing, then he may do ok with and auto loader and light loads. If birds are his thing, then know that the recoil may be too much for him. I don't think it will hurt him with bird loads, but it will shove him around a bit. This will often lead to flinching. This is an involuntary response to the recoil of a gun, and happens to adults as well. What happens is that our brains, the amazing thing that it is, will tell the body to prepare for the recoil just as the trigger is being pulled. The end result is the muzzle often drops as much as a few inches. This often results in shooting dirt, and missing the target/game.

If this is not enough for him, a turkey load or a slug, will more than likely make him want to buy a skateboard and never shoot again.

I think that shooting well and having fun are what shooting is all about. Try a 20 gauge. If shooting birds and or cans is his thing, the ammo is cheeper than 12, and the pellets come out just as fast; only fewer. I shot birds with a 12 for years. I own 3 12's for trap, 2 12's for deer, a few for just because, and one Winchester model 12, 20 gauge built in the 70's. It is by far the most fun shotgun I own. It also kills Pheasents without destroying them.

Sometimes parents buy a 12 gauge and figgure, "He will grow into it". That is not the way to promote good shooting habbits. Look into a 20 gauge by Harrington and Richards 1871. These single shot, break open shotguns are pretty much indestructable, and cost about $200. You can purchase one in 20 gauge, and at a later date, if a 12 gauge is desired, a new barrel can be fitted in 12 for about $100.

I started shooting with my fathers 12 gauge Browning auto 5,  when I was about 8. I remember how heavy it was and how much it hurt. To be truthfull, I would have shouldered a howitzer if my dad told me to, but it was a tough experience.

Still got the gun too.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I would say no, you may want to use a 20 or 16 guage shotgun.

Answer 3

yes, you can defiantly shoot a 12. gauge. I started shooting one wen i was 10 or 11. The gun was almost bigger than me lol. The recoil is not really and issue unless your goin to be shooting heavy duty ammo

Answer 4

Depends on your level of firearms experience, size and weight.  According to Chuck Hawk's recoil index the 12 gauge ranges in recoil impulse from a low of 17.3 lbs. (for the 2.75" shells 1 oz. of shot) to 54.0 lbs. for the 3" 1 n 7/8 oz. of shot shells).  My lady friend's 8 year old son fired my .308 Winchester last weekend.  He was comfortable with the 16 odd lbs. of recoil.  She thought it hurt her shoulder a little bit, so it depends.

Good luck.

H

Answer 5

yes. just make sure they have a firm grip on the gun and are ready for the recoil.

Answer 6

yes I did at that age maybe just start with a low brass shell

Answer 7

Too big for you..........start with a 20 gauge

Answer 8

It isn't too powerful, but the problem is in getting a stock that fits. Actual recoil is one thing, felt recoil another altogether. If the kid's on the small side, finding something with a short enough LOP will be something of a challenge, and shooting with an adult stock will be putting a round peg in a square hole, a generally unpleasant experience and a good way to start out with bad shooting habits, perhaps discouraging the youngster from shooting.

Answer 9

nah its not to powerful but if hes new to shooting try to start him off with a 20 gauge its lighter and less kick it might help him hone his skills then you can go to a 12

Answer 10

Depends on the Gun.  Some guns have more recoil, and also depends on the Bullets you use.  Some are higher power and cause the gun to kick more.  Don't be scared, just make sure you keep the gun tightly pressed against your shoulder and hold the gun steady, take aim and slowly squeeze the trigger. You will feel it, as long as your not 60 lbs you will be alright, and once you get used to it, its no problem.

Answer 11

Make sure they don't lean back or they will be on their ***. The trick is to lean forward and to have the shoulder pad right at your shoulder. Make sure they grip it firmly. A 12ga is a good way I think to get used to higher recoil weapons.

Answer 12

NO, if you put a Limb Saver Brand Recoil Pad on it.*

Answer 13

That will work. The important thing to do is to get them over any initial intimidation of firing a gun. Load only one round at a time. They can always fire them fine, it is what they do once the round cracks off. Sometimes they get a little scared and practically throw or drop the gun. Once they get over the initial intimidation and get comfortable with it, they will gain confidence and be fine.