Over the winter, I managed to find 3 nice limited edition Pardners in 410, 20, and 12 gauge. I bought a 12 gauge for myself, and because I could not decide between a 410 (less recoil, but not a good beginner's gun at the trap range) or a 20 gauge (better at the trap range, but may have too much recoil for a young boy), I just bought them both (only $95 each). I figure that my son can always use th 410 for squirrels, and even if he does not like the 20 gauge recoil now, eventually he will be able to tolerate it.
I took the 20 gauge to the trap range tonight (have not shot trap in over 20 years) and I was pleasantly surprised. First, at the amount of recoil...was very tolerable. And second, that I was able to break more targets than I missed. I guess it's like riding a bike.
I still think that I'll start my son out with some stationary targets and the 410. Then some stationary targets and the 20 gauge to see what he thinks about the recoil. And then if he wants to give the trap range a try, we'll head over there with his Pardner of choice.
Moonlitin
