Choke Determines Pattern Size
Since you asked for a recommendation for a .410 ga., you should stick with it. Several generations of shot gun experts, including Bob Brister, have confirmed that choke, not gauge, determines pattern size. What does this mean? All gauges throw shot at 1,200 feet per second, so any given pellet will kill just as well, no matter what gauge launched it. With longer shot columns smaller gauges tend to spread patterns a little more quickly. I can vouch that with equal chokes a .410 pattern is slightly larger than a 12 gauge pattern at 10 yards where most quail flush over dogs. A light, fast handling .410 is chain blue lightning at short range. With young quick reflexes and sharp eyes, your youngster might surprise a few seasoned old hands that say a .410 is no good for wingshooting. Don't pass shoot ducks or geese with a .410 as there's not enough shot to fill a pattern past 25 yards or so.
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