What is the Best Youth 20-Gauge Shotgun?

A growing market for youth shotguns means there are many options to choose from when shopping for a young hunter

The youth 20-gauge shotgun is no stranger to me. Over 30 years ago, I opened a Christmas gift underneath my father’s tree. I unwrapped a Remington youth model 870 pump 20-gauge shotgun I have coveted for years. I brought it out from the back of the gun cabinet this spring and dusted it off to take the 20-gauge turkey hunting. It has killed deer, coyotes, ruffed grouse, woodcock, rabbits, squirrels, and now a wild turkey. Learning to hunt with that shotgun was the medium through which I fell in love with hunting. By that logic, any parent or mentor outfitting a kid for the first time no doubt wants to make the right choice regarding firearms to set the stage for a lifelong passion.

The most popular shotgun gauge has significantly shifted over the past 100-plus years. Once the 16-gauge, then the 12-gauge, today, the 20-gauge is the most popular gauge in the upland community. 20-gauge shotguns are the preferred gauge for 43.6 percent of upland hunters, according to a 2023 survey. It’s even more popular with millennials; 45.8 percent prefer to shoot a 20-gauge. While I remember 20-gauge ammunition being much harder to find in my younger years, no gun shop is short on a wide range of 20-gauge shotgun shell options today. This makes a strong case for the 20-gauge youth shotgun out of the gate. The gauge’s increasing availability, technological advancements, and expanding market make the 20-gauge shotgun a prime choice for youth hunters.

Is the Remington youth 20-gauge shotgun the best youth option out there? It may have been at one time. However, with manufacturing changes, the end of production due to bankruptcy, and the rise of other competitive brands, I am cautious about claiming such a title for the Remington. To answer the question about which shotgun is the best youth 20-gauge, I explored some of the most popular and best models on the market today with Dave Sheley, who has seen the industry change over time and outfitted countless customers with youth shotguns.

The youth 20-gauge shotgun market evolves over the years

Right in the center of the grouse country of Minnesota is Backus Corner Store and Gun Shop. Owner Dave Sheley started selling guns here 24 years ago. Before that, he worked for over a decade at the iconic Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitter. All together, Sheley has been selling youth model shotguns for almost 40 years.

“There are more options for youth shotguns than ever,” Sheley said with conviction, “and rightfully so as there is a real demand for them.”

He points to the rise in turkey hunting as one of many factors creating a bigger demand.

Why the 20 gauge for a youth shotgun?

But first things first, why the 20-gauge over other options? Sheley weighs multiple factors when answering this question: price, availability, and practical application.

“Many want to think the .410 is a great option but reality is that, as adults, only the most expert shooters rely on this gauge,” he said. “We cannot expect that from a kid and it will most likely discourage them.”

In recent years I have found myself gravitating to the 28-gauge, but the popularity is still not as high as other gauges. As Sheley points out, the availability of 28-gauge loads, the cost of said loads, and the shotguns built for that gauge limit selection.

“It just isn’t there yet,” Sheley explained.

The 12-gauge is still one of the most widely available gauges on the market, but Sheley warns, “It has a lot more recoil than a 20-gauge and the weight of the shotguns themselves can be challenging. Sure, you may have a bigger-built kid, but for the most part, the 20-gauge is still king of the youth shotgun.”

Even though the 16-gauge is his personal favorite, it barely got a mention in our conversation and I can only attribute that to a combination of recoil, scarcity in ammunition, and not a wide selection in shotgun models to go with it.

“A lot of manufacturers are building youth shotguns for the 20-gauge platform. You have a lot of models to choose from as well as a lot of loads to choose from. You can find lighter loads to reduce recoil and ultimately the cost of the ammunition is better than most gauges when it comes to shooting a lot at the range.”

How to choose a youth 20-gauge shotgun

Sheley says that most people are buying youth model shotguns in his store at the last minute, perhaps ahead of a hunting trip or a holiday. Customers often rely on the store to help guide them through the process, because very little research is usually done ahead of time.

“Price is always the biggest factor,” Sheley said. “It is a big investment, and most people look at it as money lost in the short term. I do my best to communicate to people that the youth shotgun market is really good, and the shotgun can be easily sold some years down the road with little loss in value.”

Although price is the biggest factor for buyers, Sheley stressed that gun fit should be the top priority.

“Getting a youth 20-gauge shotgun that fits is going to help make the experience more enjoyable, and that, after all, is our long-term goal,” he said.

The best youth 20-gauge pump-shotgun models on the market

The Remington 870 Fieldmaster Youth Model

Sheley did not hesitate to say that the Remington 870 youth model is the most popular and, according to him, rightfully so. But with new owners the classic options are no longer in production. While some “Express” models can be found used it has now moved to the new Remington 870 Fieldmaster Compact and Remighting 870 Fieldmaster Jr. Compact.

“Remington has started producing shotguns again and the selling price is around $470,” he said. “You can do some searching and maybe find a used one usually in the ballpark of $250. It’s reliable, it’s versatile, and it’s really a good investment in letting a kid enjoy the world of shotguns.”

The 870 Youth Model is a pump shotgun originally came in the Express platform, which removes part of the bluing process but is mechanically the same shotgun as the Wingmaster. The matte finish barrels reduce the price, but also give it a great look. It has a 13-inch length of pull and a 21-inch barrel with interchangeable chokes. It weighs in at 6.25 pounds and can take 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shells.

The new Remington Fieldmaster has many of the same features of the original Express. However the Jr. Compact introduces a 12-inch length of pull option to the mix. The current MSRP is $610 for the new Remighting Youth Model 20-Gauge shotguns. With some shopping you can find them for around $480.00.

The Mossberg 500 Youth Bantam and 510 Youth Mini Super Bantam

On the heels of the 870 is the Mossberg. While Sheley acknowledged that the quality of the Mossberg is not as good as the Remington, he did point out the savings.

“Depending on which model you choose, you are in the $300 to $400 range,” he said, “but probably the most exciting part is the variety in size that these shotguns come in. The 500 Youth Bantam is essentially Mossberg’s answer to the Remington 870 Youth. But the 510 Youth Mini Super Bantam offers some other options, including a .410 but, more importantly, a length of pull that varies from 10.5 inches to 11.5 inches. Step up from there and the 500 Youth Super Bantam offers an adjustable length of pull from 12 inches to 13 inches.”

The 510 Youth Mini Super Bantam weighs 5 pounds with an 18.5-inch barrel with adjustable Accu-set chokes. It has a 3-inch chamber with a 3+1 capacity. The 500 Youth Super Bantam weighs 5.25 pounds, has a 22-inch barrel with interchangeable chokes, and a 3-inch chamber. It holds 5+1. The Youth Bantam matches the “Super” but with a weight of 6.5 pounds.

The 500 Youth Bantam MSRP is $399. The 510 Youth Mini Super Bantam MSRP is $569.99.

One issue Sheley identified on the Mossberg was frequent problems with breaking the shotgun down and putting it back together.

“We get people coming in all the time who have issues with the assembly of the Mossberg. It can be tricky, but overall it holds up,” he noted.

Winchester Youth SXP Field Micro 20 Gauge Pump Action Shotgun

Winchester is a name we all recognize. The concept of youth 20-gauge pump shotguns would not make sense without mentioning the Winchester Youth SXP Field Micro shotgun. I particularly like the versatility of barrel length with this model. The 20-gauge is available in 18”, 20”, 22”, and 24”. After-market options make it easy to find longer trap barrels and other options as a youth hunter grows into the shotgun.

Starting at 5 pounds, 14 ounces, the length of pull on this model is 12 inches. It comes with three shotgun choke options: improved cylinder, modified, and full. While the 12” length of pull is great for younger hunters that can genuinely have a better experience with a better-fitting shotgun, it will become a challenge as the hunter’s natural length of pull increases with age. To have a longer runway on adjusting the stock length, one must rely on after-market options.

MSRP on the Winchester Youth SXP Field Micro 20 Gauge costs $399.99. Big box retailers are selling them new for around $379.99. This is not Winchester’s only 20-gauge youth shotgun model option in pumps; their Field Compact comes in with a 13” length of pull. The Winchester 20-gauge Youth Trap Compact has a 13” length of pull and options for a 28” or 30” barrel.

The best youth 20-gauge break-action shotgun models on the market

The world of double guns is also expanding and with it is the availability of break-action shotguns for youth hunters.

While Sheley was not a fan of single shots because of the often-high recoil of the lightweight designs, he certainly expressed a love for double guns. When considering safety, break-actions offer a quick and easy way to know that a shotgun is safe–something that is not just important with youth but in many other situations, too, such as hunting with guides.

The Stevens 555 Compact

Holding to the idea of price being the largest factor for people in search for a youth 20-gauge shotgun, Sheley brought up the Stevens 555 Compact as the third shotgun in the mix.

This Turkish-built over/under shotgun has a 13.25-inch length of pull, 24-inch barrels with interchangeable chokes, 3-inch chambers, and weighs just 5 pounds.

“You can find one new for about $699 and if you are lucky, maybe score one for around $600 used,” Sheley said. “This shotgun really makes the idea of an entry-level over/under possible.”

The listed MSRP of the Stevens 555 Compact is $770.00

CZ Redhead Premier Reduced Length

“It costs a little more money, but CZ offers a upgrade in quality over the Stevens,” Sheley noted.

With an MSRP of $999, the CZ Redhead Premier Reduced Length comes in 20-gauge with a 13-inch length of pull, 24-inch barrels with five interchangeable chokes, a 3-inch chamber, ejectors, and a weight of 6 pounds.

Browning Citori Micro Midas Satin Hunter

The next two shotguns that pull their weight–or the “Cadillacs” of the youth 20-gauge shotgun world according to Sheley–are made by Browning. The Citori Micro Midas Satin Hunter, which is listed as discontinued on the Browning website, is still available in stores.

“This is a real investment for a shotgun, but I believe it’s really the best option if people weighed the ability to resell it,” Sheley said.

Coming in with an MSRP of $1,649, you would be lucky to find one on the used market. With a 13-inch length of pull, 24-inch barrels with three interchangeable chokes, a 3-inch chamber, and coming in at 6 pounds, 2 ounces, I am sure no kid would be disappointed to end up with one of these.

My own father coveted the Citori platform, and would dream of one day owning one.

The best youth 20-gauge break-action side-by-side shotgun models on the market

I am devoted to side-by-side shotguns. However, this devotion came much later in life. If you ask my father, he has nothing but bad things to say about his youth experience with side-by-side shotguns, which is probably why I never got the chance to shoot them early on. To be candid, I don’t think side-by-sides are a good starting point for youth hunters. This is due to the need for more availability in choices. Stoeger makes the only youth-dedicated 20-gauge side-by-side on the market that is not custom-built. Unless you are willing to pay a lot for a custom-built side-by-side youth shotgun, here is your choice.

Stoeger Uplander Youth 20-Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun

My first side-by-side was a Stoeger. I hated it. It affirmed everything my father told me and just about ruined side-by-side shotguns for me. My biggest criticism is the weight and balance of these shotguns. My current go-to, Upland Gun Company’s Venus side-by-side shotgun, comes in at 5lbs, 1 oz. The Stoeger Uplander Youth 20-gauge side-by-side shotgun comes in at 6.8 lbs. While the weight can help with recoil, it will not help with carrying it in the woods.

The MSRP on the Stoeger Uplander Youth 20-gauge Side-by-side shotgun is $499.99. It has a 13” length of pull, a pistol grip, and a 22” barrel with a double trigger. The chokes are interchangeable but must be purchased separately. Only improved cylinder and modified chokes come in the box. The only thing I like about this shotgun is that it has extractors instead of ejectors. After a bit of shopping, you can get this shotgun new at about $449.99.

The best youth 20-Gauge semiautomatic shotgun models on the market

Semiautomatics generate a lot of mixed feelings when it comes to youth shotguns.

As a kid, my father was an Auto 5 devotee and my grandfather subscribed to the Remington 1100. Both my older brother and I wanted semiautomatics for deer hunting, but late nights at camp would often be filled with debates over gas-driven and inertia-driven platforms and the safety of each, ultimately crushing us with the “when you are older” admonition. But Sheley does think the youth 20-gauge semiautomatic shotgun option is a good one, albeit more expensive than other models already mentioned.

He offers a great tip for starting youth on a semiautomatic by only allowing one shell in the shotgun at a time and moving up from there as safety and confidence improves.

Browning Silver Field Micro Midas

This is the other shotgun that Sheley truly got excited about.

“You can find one for around $999 and it really is a gun that can do anything,” he said. “It’s reliable, built in Japan, but built well. It is gas-operated but built to handle light loads, and the action really reduces the recoil for youth.”

The Browning Silver Field Micro Midas 20-gauge is available in 24-inch or 26-inch barrels with a length of pull of 13 inches, a 3-inch chamber, and weighing 6 pounds and 6 pounds 2 ounces, respectively.

The MSRP for the Browning Silver Field Micro Midas starts at $1069.99 to $1329.99.

Weatherby SA-08 Compact Youth 20-Gauge Shotgun

If you are looking for an option that is less expensive while still being a reliable semiautomatic youth shotgun, then Weatherby has you covered with the Weatherby SA-08 Compact Youth shotgun. The gas-operated action reduces recoil, giving youth a better experience. It can also increase accuracy for young hunters. Most importantly, Weatherby prides itself on the dual-piston system, which can be adjusted for heavy or light loads. 

With an MSRP of $679.00, this 20-gauge youth 12 ½” length of pull shotgun is a great option. Coming in at 5.75 pounds with a 24” barrel that comes with full, modified, and improved cylinder chokes. It takes both 3” and 2 ¾” rounds. Most big box retailers are selling these Weatherby youth shotguns for $579.99. 

Beretta A400 Lite Compact

The Beretta A400 Lite Compact is no longer in production. But Sheley put it plainly: “The Italians build good shotguns.”

It was available with barrel lengths of 26, 28, and 30 inches, the Beretta A400’s biggest claim to fame is the ability to add spacers to the stock so that the gun can adjust to the young hunter’s growing length of pull. A 13 1/4-inch length of pull with a recoil pad and spacers allow adjustments from 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Add in the science put into the Optima Bore HP, which they claim reduces the recoil, and this shotgun has a lot of versatility with low recoil.

But Italian shotguns do come at a price and with an original MSRP of $1,520, it’s pretty reasonable. They can still be found for around $1350

Let the kid get involved in the choice

Sheley’s final piece of advice: “Bringing the child along to the gun shop to help in the process can be both exciting and rewarding. Allow them to get the feel for different models and fall in love with one.”

He also took the time to remind me that the resale value on any of these purchases should be part of the calculation when making the investment. It can open better options and ultimately create a more rewarding experience for the youth involved in the field.