OSUChad

I'm a relatively novice waterfowl hunter and I love my Super Nova. It works great in the field, and the pump is absolutely no big deal. I don't think I'm missing many doubles because I have to pump the gun. Heck, it works pretty well at the clays course too, even though people look at me funny for using my camo pump there.

Thanks to everyone for your responses. I am amazed at how many of you took time to respond. So again thanks. Of the guns all of you have recommended I have the following list of 20ga shotguns compiled: Benelli Nova Short Stock Benelli Montefeltro Short Stock 870 Youth Beretta Auto Youth 1100 or 1187 Also recommended is looking into something like Limbsaver products, recoil reducer products, and a pad for his shoulder. I will definitely look into what was recommended by SDKIDAHO and NOBEGINNER on these products and finding a local gunsmith who could work on a nice fit for my son using these or similar products. The pump versus automatic argument makes sense to me. I had been told that the autos kicked less than the pumps, so I was leaning that way. But I understand that learning with a pump might be better. I still am even more concerned with the kick, but this is now a new consideration. I’m really confused whether an auto or a pump kicks more. It might just depend on the make and model of the gun though. I would pay $300 or $1500 if my son can handle the kick. So I just want the best quality, lowest kicking 20 gauge shotgun I can buy. After reading all these suggestions and reading on the manufacturers’ websites, I’m leaning toward the Nova Pump Short Stock. I just love Benelli, so I know my bias is part of that. I would buy one of the other recommended guns though if I knew it would kick less than the Nova. I wish the Nova had the Comfortech stock. I would think that would help reduce the kick. Why isn’t that part of the Nova? Also, if I knew that the Montefeltro kicked less than the Nova, I would reconsider the auto versus pump argument. So I am still working through a ton of issues, but now leaning toward the Benelli Nova Short Stock. I appreciate everyone posting responses. I feel much more knowledgeable now than this morning. I’m looking forward to any other responses you may have. Thanks again. Chad

First post to the boards, so thanks for reading. I just started hunting last season. At 33 I decided to start hunting to spend more time with my son and enjoy the outdoors. My 7 year old son and I went out 3 times hunting ducks and dove. I bought a Supernova for me and a little junior 20ga Rossi for my son. We had our first ducks come in to land at only about 10 yards, and my son got his first shot. Well he missed and his Rossi kicked him really hard. When the second birds came in at about the same distance, I gave him the “take em.” He didn't shoot because he was scared of the kick. We dove hunted a little later. I used both guns to see how bad that kick was. I was surprised how hard the Rossi 20ga kicked compared to the SuperNova. I could wait until he gets older to take him duck hunting again, but I've decided to buy him the absolute best low kicking 20ga on the market for my (to be by season) 8-year old. He’s a tall strong kid and anxious to get his first bird. So hopefully someone here can help me. The M2 Field 20ga 24” with Comfortech appears to be a great choice. At only 5.7lbs he could definitely handle the weight of the gun. A 14 3/8” length of pull should be okay. That is only slightly longer than his Rossi. I could get it custom fit though, but the kid is growing like a weed. And maybe I should add a recoil tube, although adding too much weight might be an issue. I really have no idea what to do. I am new to hunting myself and have no idea if the M2 is even a reasonable choice. It is a lot of money, but money I am willing to spend to give me and my son an extra 2-3 years of hunting together. Heck, he probably moves out in 10 years for college. So the clock is ticking if you know what I mean. My son is just asking me regularly if he can go duck hunting with me this winter. He really wants to enjoy the experience. He wants that first mount on his wall. So bottom line, I’ve got a brave warrior ready to really experience hunting with his dad. Any help anyone can give would be really appreciated. Thanks for everyone’s time. Chad