Hello! I am looking for a shotgun for my children (12 & 10). They want to go hunting with me, but there is a lot that they have to learn first! In NJ, to pass the hunter safety course, they need a shotgun.

I want to start them with either a 20ga or 28ga. While a semi-auto will reduce the felt recoil, I am hesitant to start them with a semi-auto. I am thinking of a double barrel, be it a side by side or an over under.

In talking with an outfitter I know in the local Cabela's Gun Library, he suggested a Stoeger Condor. I am not familiar with Stoeger's current reputation.

Could you please provide me with your opinion or recommendations? Thanks in advance for your assistance!

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Judge control not gun control!

No personal experience but I've had friends of friends that tried them and had some issues. Broken firing pins or some sort of failure to fire on one barrel or something if I remember correctly.

Hard to beat a good pump action for a beginner in my opinion. Remington or Mossberg. Take your pick.

You can get them a pump or auto and install a long plug that makes it a single shot. You can get them a gun they can shoot all of their life. My problem with some inexpensive shotguns is that kids can't hit with them and they kick like a mule because they are so poorly stocked.

My 10 year old granddaughter has a 16 ga Parker DH waiting for her next year when she's a little taller.

The guns you're considering have a good reputation. You might also consider the CZ line of doubles if you're looking for a new gun. The SKB Ithaca 100's are great and available on the used market. Keep your eyes open for Stevens 311's. None of these are cheap in small bore configuration.

I think the sxs are the safest shotguns going. Semi autos and pumps can be pretty complex for a smaller kid. Remembering and executing the act of unloading can be challenging. Don't get a 410 or 28 ga: these are experts guns.

Mossberg Maverick 88 youth gun in 20 gauge.

Don't get a 28 gauge gun unless you reload for it.

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

NO to the Stoeger; it will spend more time getting fixed than getting shot.

Depending on the height, weight, stature, a 28 or 20 gauge semi that FITS would be the ticket. Worried about then with a semi? YOU hand them the ammo; one at a time if necessary....Weatherby won't break the bank. If you can't trust them with anything but a O/U, look at the Huglus from CZ

I bought a Stoeger Condor FTS (same just has silver reciever instead of black) from Dicks sporting goods last year for $399. I have many shotguns but this one is used right in rotation with the others. Over 2000 shells through it without a single problem!! I know they have a bad reputation but many ranges use them for rental guns and 10's of thousands of rounds go through them. They have a warranty if you do have any issues. All shotguns break firing pins eventually. Read reviews of Brownings costing thousands of dollars many issues there too some right out of the box. Way I look at it for $400 if you get 2 years of use (probably will get many) you will have your money's worth already!! Shotgun guys are some of the biggest snob guys out there. For Kids or occasional use they are the perfect gun that will get you started. If one of your kids really gets into shooting or competition then you can always get half your money back towards a "better" shotgun. Tristar and Stoeger have done very well by me. Many many rounds of trap and sporting clays and not a single problem.

My Browning was bought new for $1000. At 200,000 rounds it needed new springs and I had the firing pins replaced as well. Will your Stoeger do that? No. The question becomes will it break at 200, 2000 or???????
I can sell my gun for what I paid for it. You will NEVER recoup your money on the Stoeger

To reduce recoil use 12 ga. Winchester low noise and low recoil shells. They kick less than any 20 ga. I have ever shot. When the children get bigger and can handle more recoil they already have the gun.
When my son was young I bought him a 12 ga. Beretta black Onyx and cut the stock short enough to fit and saved the piece off the stock. When he got got bigger we used accuglass to replace the piece that had been cut off. He didn't like the seam where the piece was replaced and wanted me to buy another stock. I told him he was a big boy and buy his own stock. He decided it didn't look too bad and 20 some years later is still shooting it. Larry

I got my little guy a Stoeger coach gun in 20 gauge, and shortened the stock. He used it to kill his first bird.



He's a bigger fella now, and still has the Stoeger. He's on his way back right now from a wedding in NM, and the little double is in a case in the trunk of the car, with a nice stash of buckshot and slugs.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

I agree with Weatherby being a good gun though twice the price of a Stoeger! My grandfather bought me a 20 guage that I killed my second deer with ( first deer at 12 with a bow). Ammo is quite expensive in 28 guage. I will use an anology. It is not smart for people to go buy their kids a Ferrari for their first car. An older clunker teaches kids how to repair and take care of a car. Till they save enough money to buy a nicer car. Same goes here a Stoeger in 20 guage they may grow out of or drop it in mud or something (perfect for them to learn). Let them learn on a clunker Stoeger then if they grow out of it no big deal or if they really like it they will look forward to saving up for that big upgrade to a B-gun!

I'm partial to the Stevens 311 in twenty gauge with three-inch chambers. Versatile and durable.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Son bought bought one a few years ago. Zero problems and we have shot a few rounds of sporting clays. And we also use it with our scout troop to teach kids how to shoot. Awesome gun for the price. I am looking for a 12 gauge but wife says NOT at this time.