Starting shooting: I would like to teach my 12 year-old son to shoot clays and wondered if I could get him started with a 28-bore O/U.
Would you like to speak to our readers? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our audience. Find out more.In your opinion is this suitable, or should I wait until he is a little older and give him a 20-bore?
STARTING SHOOTING
John Bidwell
As long as the lad isn?t very small I can?t see any reason why he shouldn?t start with the smaller 28-bore so long as it is light and properly balanced.
Don?t forget that the stock will doubtless need shortening and that the off cut wood will need to be stored safely should the stock need to be lengthened as he grows older.
A 28-bore is more than capable of dusting clays at most reasonable ranges so don?t worry that your boy will be ?undergunned?.
The important thing is to protect him from recoil by choosing a light, soft, cartridge and to introduce him to easy targets so that his confidence gets a boost and he enjoys the game from the start.
The ban on lead shot for all game shooting is moving apace so it’s time to find the best eco-friendly ammunition that suits you and your rifle
If you’re buying your first clay gun, the right fit takes precedence – not good looks, the brand your mate’s got or even price – warns Paul Austin