Sporting Clays gun for a youth

[steve708]

My son started shooting on his counties outdoor team last fall.  They shoot 22, bow and shotgun.  I got him a Rem 870 youth in 20ga to let him try it for the first year.  Just got back from Appomattax and he really has enjoyed the practice and competition in the Va. Hunter education challenge.  He broke 6 of 24 birds on the sporting clays course.  First time ever shooting sporting clays, our team only has access to trap and skeet courses.  He could have broke more, I think, if he had an O/U or Semi Auto.  Long story, sorry now to my question:
 
Which type of action would be best for a 12 year old of small build?  I would also like recommendations on what shotgun to buy him. 
 
Thanks in advance for your answers!!
 
 

[Graybeard]

Honestly you already have it.

I started my oldest son with a Remington 870 20 gauge with the stock chopped to fit him. When he got big enough for a full size gun I bought him an SKB 300 20 gauge. He used those two guns to compete in both 12 and 20 gauge skeet competition and ended up as the state champion in sub junior class and made the All State team.

Wait until he is big enough for a full size gun is my advice then depending on how serious he is and your budget get him a semiauto or O/U. Most serious competitors at both skeet and sporting clays use O/Us.

These days when I shoot which isn't as often as it used to be I use a Browning Citori White Lightning .410 for all my skeet shooting. I can't walk further than slowly around the skeet range so haven't shot sporting clays in years. Last time I did they had to cart me off the course back to the club house without finishing the course.