Designed for a Smaller Frame: Handling and Comfort
Size and Weight Considerations
The Remington 870 is a well-respected name, and the youth model, especially the Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge, offers a solution for younger shooters. The primary advantage of the Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge lies in its thoughtful design. Unlike its full-sized counterparts, this model is engineered for smaller shooters. The most apparent difference is the shorter stock, reducing the distance from the trigger to the butt. A correct fit is critical for good shooting form. The Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge addresses this issue.
The barrel length is also adjusted, making the overall length and weight easier to manage. The Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge mitigates fatigue, allowing young shooters to focus on the task at hand – aiming, shooting, and enjoying the experience.
Reduced Recoil and Its Significance
Recoil can be a major obstacle for young shooters, potentially leading to flinching or poor accuracy. The Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge excels in this area. The 20-gauge itself has less recoil than a 12-gauge, and the youth model compounds this benefit with its lighter weight. It also incorporates recoil pads, designed to absorb some of the energy, making it more comfortable. This allows younger shooters to concentrate on fundamentals without intimidation, which promotes good shooting habits and builds confidence.
Soft on the Shoulder: The Advantage of Reduced Recoil
The Role of Gauge
Recoil is a natural reaction when a firearm is discharged and can be an obstacle to learning, especially for youth. The Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge greatly benefits by using a 20-gauge. The 20-gauge shells are smaller, contain less gunpowder, and propel a lighter shot load. This directly translates to less felt recoil, which is far more pleasant. This is where the Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge shines.
Benefits of Less Recoil
Reduced recoil allows young shooters to concentrate on the fundamentals of shooting like: stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control. This facilitates the development of good shooting habits, and builds confidence. A confident shooter is a more accurate shooter, and the Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge is ideally suited to facilitating this positive outcome.
Easy to Understand and Operate: The Pump-Action Advantage
Understanding the Pump-Action Mechanism
The pump-action mechanism of the Remington 870 is famous for its simplicity and reliability. After firing, the shooter slides the fore-end back and forth, extracting the spent shell, ejecting it, and chambering a fresh round. This is easy to learn, and it allows focus on the shooting rather than complex mechanics.
Loading, Unloading, and Safety
Loading and unloading the Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge is straightforward. Shells can be loaded one at a time or through the loading gate. Simplicity adds to the overall safety, as the shooter always knows the firearm’s status. This reliability is an asset for consistency.
Exploring Features and Specifications
Barrel Length Considerations
The barrel length, typically shorter on youth models, contributes to ease of handling. Barrel lengths commonly run around 20-21 inches, which is crucial to ease of use.
Stock and Fore-end Materials
The Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge is available with wood or synthetic stocks. Wood offers classic aesthetics and may need more care. Synthetic stocks are more durable and easier to clean. The fore-end material affects grip.
Magazine Capacity, Finish, and Aesthetics
Magazine capacity is often not a primary concern for young shooters. Finishes and aesthetics are subjective. Finishes vary; matte black is practical; camouflaged finishes are helpful for hunting.
Safety Features and Regulations
The Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge has a cross-bolt safety. Engage and disengage the safety with the thumb. Know all regulations.
The Advantages of the 20 Gauge for Young Shooters
Versatility in Use
The 20-gauge is versatile. It is suitable for target practice, small game hunting, and bird hunting. Variety of ammunition is another plus.
A Stepping Stone for Skill Development
The 20-gauge helps younger shooters hone fundamental skills, including stance, eye alignment, trigger control, breathing, and follow-through. The Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge helps build a solid foundation and enables an easy transition to larger gauges, if desired.
Essential Considerations Before Purchasing
Ensuring Proper Fit
Ensure that the shotgun fits the shooter correctly to ensure proper handling and accurate shooting. Check the length of the stock.
Safety Training Protocols
Complete firearm safety training, covering basic gun safety rules and responsible ownership. Resources include the NSSF and the NRA.
Importance of Supervision and Laws
Young shooters must be supervised by an experienced adult. Know and comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding firearm ownership and use.
Keeping Your Shotgun in Top Condition: Maintenance and Care
Cleaning and Maintenance Schedule
After each shooting session, clean the barrel, action, and all other parts. Use a quality gun cleaning kit suitable for the gauge. Cleaning removes debris. Lubricate moving parts with quality gun oil or lubricant.
Storage Guidelines
Store the Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge unloaded in a secure location. Store ammunition separately.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence for the Next Generation
The Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge is an investment in the future. It can encourage an appreciation for the shooting sports and responsible gun owners. It offers the ideal balance of safety, manageability, and performance. This provides confidence and skills, and opens up a range of shooting opportunities. The Youth Remington 870 20 Gauge is a legacy of excellence, providing safe and enjoyable shooting experiences. Responsible gun ownership starts with education, training, and a firearm designed for the user’s needs. The shotgun will do just that.
