Looking For Gas Operated Semi-Auto Youth Shotgun

[Sandstone Addiction]

I've been looking for a youth semi auto shotgun for a while now but didn't have the cash on hand, so it was time to look in the back of the gun safe to see what I wouldn't mind parting with (actually, I've only had two guns I didn't really mind parting with, one was a Jennings 22LR pocket auto and the other was a cheap Hi-Power knock off). It was a tough decision, but I looked at the Norinco MAK 90 that had been sitting in the back corner that hadn't been shot for many years and decided that I would miss it the least.

I bought the AK variant brand new from Van Wagenen's about 20+ years ago as they have been banned from import since the Clinton era. With most MAK's selling for around $300 at that time, I paid a premium for this one as it had a milled receiver--I think it was about $375.

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As you can see, it was a victim of the ridiculous laws of the past and is missing the flash hider, bayonet lug and has the thumbhole stock--I had left this rifle in the original condition and the guy that bought it gave me my asking price only because I had left it the way it came from China. My rifle (http://utahgunexchange.com/ads/mak-90-milled-receiver-ak-47-variant-excellent-condition/) sold in less than 24 hours, so I think I could have gotten a little more...oh well, I have the cash now.

So, now I'm ready to buy a shotgun that my boys and wife can enjoy shooting and develop good habits with. I would prefer to buy a gently used one, but I've been looking on Utah Gun Exchange (http://www.utahgunexchange.com) for a while now and youth semi-autos are pretty scarce.

I haven't ruled out a pump shotgun or over/under yet, but would prefer a gas operated gun to minimize the recoil factor for a beginner (I mean my wife :haha:).

I would greatly appreciate all suggestions and opinions any of you might have.

Here are a few that I've been considering:

CZ 720--Top pick so far

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Escort Youth Wood

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TriStar Viper G2 Youth/Adult Combo

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TriStar Viper G2 Youth Wood

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Weatherby SA-08 Youth

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I really like wood stocks, but don't mind synthetic including camo.

If anyone has had any experience with the TriStar, CZ-USA, Escort, Weatherby or other budget brands, I would sure appreciate any info. Thanks.

[Iceaxe]

Youth guns have always been a real hot item and don't last long if properly priced. At one time I had a Remington 1100 youth model for my kids that worked well. Nothing wrong with a pump and they will learn to shuck it fast enough. O/U's in the price range you are looking will all be junk. That's my two cents....

Tap'n on my Galaxy G3

[oldno7]

Have you looked at 1100's?

I would also go with 20ga.

[Sandstone Addiction]

Youth guns have always been a real hot item and don't last long if properly priced. At one time I had a Remington 1100 youth model for my kids that worked well. Nothing wrong with a pump and they will learn to shuck it fast enough. O/U's in the price range you are looking will all be junk. That's my two cents....

Tap'n on my Galaxy G3

First off, I'll have to admit, I know very little about O/U's. I've only shot a few, but was impressed and like them very much from my brief experience with them.

Are people having problems with the Turkish O/U's? They are certainly not much to look at, in fact some are downright ugly, but hopefully they function as they are supposed to. I firmly believe you get what you pay for, so I would never expect it to look or function as nicely as a Citori.

The only break action that even caught my eye was a TriStar I saw at Sportsman's, it was by far the most aesthetically pleasing of any Turkish O/U I'd ever seen...unfortunately it's not offered in a youth model. In fact, I don't know of any youth models at all in an O/U.

[Sandstone Addiction]

Have you looked at 1100's?

I would also go with 20ga.

Yes, definitely a 20 gauge.

I didn't see a model 1100 Youth in Rem's current lineup...although I did see the 1187 in a Youth Model but only in synthetic.

I might consider synthetic at some point, but I prefer walnut, even the Turkish variety.

[Iceaxe]

The Remington 11-87 is basically the newer version of the 1100. I used to shot a lot of sporting clays with an 1100. And when I say a lot I mean 500 to 1000 rounds every week. Eventually I switched to a Browning 425.

I would not have an issue with a synthetic stock on a kids/wife shotgun. Quality kids guns don't come in a wide selection.

On your budget I would stay away from O/U's like the plague. For the price of a cheap O/U you can buy a high quality auto. If you want an O/U look for a used one of higher quality (Browning, Beretta, Ruger, etc). If you shoot much at all you will find the cheap O/U's don't pattern worth a shit and soon you will have cracked stocks, loose hinges, firing problems and ejection issues.