Best Youth Shotguns for Clay Target Sports

Things to consider:

• For maximum versatility, avoid pump-action shotguns. Most shotgun sports involve two-target scenarios, and needing to rack the shotgun for a follow-up shot can make it significantly more challenging. If you want to dive deeper into the pros of each action type, click HERE.
• Many recommend 20-gauge shotguns for youth due to their reduced recoil, but we suggest considering them only for smaller-framed shooters. Recoil can be effectively managed through other means, such as adjusting shot load weight and speed, choosing a heavier shotgun, ensuring a proper fit, and adding recoil-absorbing butt pads. Opting for a 12-gauge not only eliminates the need to stock multiple types of ammunition, particularly for bulk orders, but also provides a shotgun that will offer a longer lifespan and versatility in target sports. 

Pump Action

Mossberg 500 Bantam

Type: Pump-Action
Gauge: 12, 20, .410
Overview: The Mossberg 500 Bantam (#52132) is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun tailored for smaller-statured shooters. It features a 24-inch vent rib barrel and a 5+1 shell capacity. Designed with a shorter length of pull and an EZ-Reach™ forend, it offers improved balance and easier cycling of the action. The Bantam model also includes a smaller grip for enhanced trigger reach, making it suitable for youth or those seeking a more compact shotgun.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

Remington 870 Fieldmaster Compact

Type: Pump-Action
Gauge: Available in 20-gauge and .410 bore
Overview: The Remington Model 870 Fieldmaster is a versatile pump-action shotgun designed for hunting, self-defense, and clay target shooting. It features a solid steel receiver for maximum strength and reliability, and improved twin action bars to prevent binding and twisting, ensuring smooth operation. The shotgun comes with a non-reflective satin black finish and a grade A walnut stock set, providing both durability and a classic appearance. It includes three Rem™ Chokes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full) to adapt to various shooting scenarios. Available in 12 and 20 gauge options, the Model 870 Fieldmaster offers barrel lengths ranging from 18¾" to 28", catering to different user preferences.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

Semi-auto

Mossberg International SA-20 Bantam

Type: Semi-auto
Gauge: 20
Overview: Whether you’re new to shooting sports or a seasoned enthusiast, Mossberg International sub-gauge autoloaders are an excellent choice. These lightweight, quick-swinging shotguns offer exceptional versatility and maneuverability, perfect for hunting fast-moving upland and woodland game or breaking clays. The youth model features a shorter barrel and a more compact length of pull, ensuring a well-balanced swing and a comfortable, tailored fit.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

Fabarm Elos L4S Sporting Compact

Type: Semi-auto
Gauge: 12-gauge
Overview: The Fabarm L4S Sporting Compact is a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun tailored for youth or smaller-framed shooters, optimized for sporting clays, skeet, and trap. Featuring a 28-inch or 30-inch TRIBORE HP™ tapered barrel with EXIS HP™ hyperbolic chokes (five included), it delivers superior patterning and reduced recoil. Weighing approximately 7 pounds, its compact stock offers a shorter 13.5-inch length of pull, a thinner wrist, and a Monte Carlo comb for enhanced comfort and balance. The gas-operated system cycles 2¾-inch target loads smoothly, and the innovative fore-end design eliminates wood in the mechanical assembly, ensuring a rigid, wiggle-free barrel-to-receiver connection. With a sculpted pistol grip, four-round magazine, and Turkish walnut stock, the L4S Sporting Compact combines lightweight handling, precision, and durability for competitive shooting.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

TriStar Viper G2 Compact

Type: Semi-Automatic
Gauge: Available in 20-gauge and .410 bore
Overview: The TriStar Viper G2 Compact is a 3-inch gas-operated, semi-automatic 20-gauge shotgun designed for smaller-framed or younger shooters, offering reliability and versatility for hunting and sport shooting. It features a 24-inch vent rib barrel with a fiber optic front sight, a 13-inch length of pull, and a lightweight 6-pound frame, making it easy to handle. The gas-operated system ensures smooth cycling of light target loads to heavy waterfowl loads, with a removable choke system using Beretta®/Benelli® Mobil threads (includes IC, M, F chokes, choke box, and wrench). The synthetic stock with a "Soft Touch" finish and rubber recoil pad enhances comfort, while the tubular magazine holds 5 rounds with a removable shot plug for easy adjustment. Additional features include a manual E-Z load magazine cut-off, chrome-lined chamber, and a 5-year warranty. Backed by TriStar’s rigorous 5,000-round endurance testing, the Viper G2 Compact is a durable, value-driven choice for upland hunting, small game, or clay shooting.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

Beretta A300 and A400

Type: Semi-Automatic
Gauge: 12-gauge and 20-gauge
Overview: The Beretta A300 Ultima and A400 Xtreme Plus are semi-automatic shotguns designed for hunters and sport shooters, offering reliability and versatility in 12-gauge and 20-gauge configurations. The A300 Ultima, a budget-friendly option, features a 3-inch chamber, 19.1–28-inch barrels, and a gas-operated system that smoothly cycles 2¾-inch and 3-inch loads with reduced recoil via the Kick-Off system. Weighing 7.1–7.6 pounds, it includes a synthetic stock with adjustable shims, Mobilchoke tubes (IC, M, F), and enhanced controls like oversized bolt handles, making it ideal for waterfowl, upland hunting, clays, or tactical use (e.g., Ultima Patrol with 7+1 capacity). The A400 Xtreme Plus, Beretta’s premium model, supports up to 3½-inch shells (12-gauge) with 26–30-inch Steelium Plus barrels and the ultra-fast Blink gas system. Weighing 7.4–7.8 pounds, it features advanced recoil reduction with three Kick-Off dampeners, Optima-Choke HP tubes, and a soft-touch comb, excelling in high-volume waterfowl, turkey, upland, or clay shooting. Both shotguns offer stepped ribs, fiber optic beads, and 60/40 patterning, but the A400’s superior speed, choke system, and ergonomics cater to serious enthusiasts, while the A300 provides affordable performance for casual or tactical needs.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

SKB RS300 Youth

Type: Semi-Automatic
Gauge: 12-gauge
Overview: The SKB RS300 Youth is a semi-automatic 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun designed for young or smaller-framed shooters, offering exceptional adjustability to ensure a proper fit as they grow. It features a 3-inch chamber, a 26-inch or 28-inch chrome-lined barrel with a ventilated rib, and SKB’s competition choke tube system (including three chokes). The adjustable butt plate system allows the length of pull to range from 12.5 to 13.75 inches, with pad rotation for shoulder fit, reducing recoil. Six stock shims adjust drop (DAC 1 3/8” to DAH 2–2 ½”) and cast (left/right), while the adjustable comb moves ¼ inch horizontally and ½ inch vertically for precise eye alignment. The RS-Hybrid Recoil System, combining gas and inertia operation, cycles light to heavy loads (7/8 oz. to 1 ¼ oz.) with minimal recoil, making it ideal for youth in trap, sporting clays, or hunting. Weighing approximately 7.3 pounds (12-gauge) or 7.1 pounds (20-gauge), it’s built for durability and performance.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE

Franchi Affinity 3 Compact

Type: Semi-Automatic
Gauge: 20-gauge
Overview: The Franchi Affinity 3 Compact is a lightweight, semi-automatic shotgun tailored for youth and smaller-framed shooters, delivering reliable performance for hunting and clay shooting. Available in 20-gauge with a 3-inch chamber, it features a 24-inch or 26-inch chrome-lined barrel with a ventilated rib and fiber-optic front sight for quick target acquisition. Weighing just 5.9–6.1 pounds, its Inertia Driven® system ensures clean, dependable cycling of 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells, with up to 50% reduced recoil thanks to the TSA recoil pad. The synthetic stock offers a 12⅜-inch length of pull, adjustable to 13⅜-inch using four included ¼-inch spacers, and can be fitted with a full-size buttstock as the shooter grows. Five stock shims allow precise drop and cast adjustments, while the oversized bolt handle, bolt release, and beveled loading port enhance operation, even with gloves. The shotgun includes three choke tubes (C, IM, F) with a wrench, a drilled and tapped receiver for optics, and a 4+1 round capacity. Backed by Franchi’s 7-year warranty, the Affinity 3 Compact combines Italian craftsmanship, ergonomic design, and grow-with-you versatility for upland game, waterfowl, or sporting clays.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE

Over/Under

Mossberg International Silver Reserve Bantam

Type: Over/Under
Gauge: 20
Overview: The Mossberg International Silver Reserve Bantam is a reliable, value-packed over/under shotgun tailored for youth and smaller-framed shooters, ideal for upland hunting, sporting clays, or 5-Stand. Chambered in 20-gauge with a 3-inch chamber, it features 26-inch chrome-lined, vent-rib barrels with a matte blued finish and a brass bead front sight for quick targeting. Weighing approximately 7 pounds, its compact 13.25-inch length of pull and satin black walnut stock with hand-checkered grip ensure comfortable handling for younger or smaller shooters. The satin silver receiver, engraved with the Mossberg logo, adds a refined aesthetic, while dual locking lugs and shell extractors enhance durability and function. A tang-mounted safety doubles as a barrel selector for intuitive operation. The Silver Reserve Bantam includes a field set of five flush-fitting choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), offering versatility for various game or targets. Durable, affordable, and loaded with high-end features, this break-action shotgun delivers premium performance for wingshooting or clay-busting at an accessible price point.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

Yildiz Lineage Youth

Type: Over-Under
Gauge: Available in 20-gauge
Overview: The Yildiz Lineage Youth is a lightweight, over/under shotgun crafted for young hunters and smaller-framed shooters, combining affordability with reliable performance. Chambered in 20-gauge with a 3-inch chamber, it features 20-inch 4140 steel barrels with a ventilated rib, a fiber-optic front sight, and a mid-bead rear sight for quick, precise targeting. The 7075 aluminum alloy receiver keeps the weight at approximately 5.5 pounds, ensuring easy handling during long days in the field or at the range. Its Grade II Turkish walnut stock, with a 13⅜-inch length of pull, offers a comfortable fit for youth, complemented by a single selective trigger for seamless barrel selection. The break-action design includes five Mobilchoke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) for versatility across upland game, small game, or clay shooting. With a polished blued finish and a manual safety, the Yildiz Lineage Youth delivers a balance of durability, style, and functionality, making it an ideal first shotgun for young enthusiasts learning the ropes of hunting or sport shooting.
Product Link, click HERE.

CZ Redhead Premier

Type: Over-Under
Gauge: 12, 16 or 20 gauge
Overview: The CZ Redhead Premier is a flagship over/under shotgun designed for versatility in hunting and sporting clays, available in 12-gauge or 20-gauge with 3-inch chambers, or 16-gauge with 2¾-inch chambers. It features 26-inch or 28-inch chrome-lined barrels with a gloss black finish, a 10mm ventilated rib, and a white bead sight for quick target acquisition. The single selective trigger and independent auto ejectors enhance reliability, while the CNC-machined, silver satin chrome receiver adds durability and elegance. The Turkish walnut stock with laser-cut checkering, pistol grip, and 14.5-inch length of pull ensures comfortable handling. It includes five flush-mount choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F for 12/20 gauge; fixed IC/MOD for 16 gauge) for adaptability across upland birds, waterfowl, or clays. Weighing 6.9–7.9 pounds, the Redhead Premier combines premium craftsmanship, solid mid-ribs, and a manual tang safety with barrel selector, making it a high-value, all-purpose shotgun at a competitive price.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

Franchi Instinct

Type: Over-Under
Gauge: .410, 20 and 12-gauge
Overview: The Franchi Instinct SL is a lightweight over/under shotgun designed for upland hunters, available in 12-gauge, 20-gauge, or .410 bore with 3-inch chambers (2¾-inch for .410). Featuring 26-inch or 28-inch gloss blued barrels with a ventilated rib and red fiber-optic front sight, it ensures quick target acquisition. The aluminum, color case-hardened receiver with a scalloped design and engraved “Franchi” logo reduces weight (5.3–6.4 pounds) for all-day comfort in pheasant fields or grouse woodlands. The A-grade satin walnut Prince of Wales stock and schnabel forend, with cut checkering, provide a secure grip and elegant aesthetics. Equipped with automatic ejectors, a tang-mounted auto safety with barrel selector, and three choke tubes (IC, M, F), it offers versatility for hunting or clays. A hard-heeled recoil pad and custom-fitted hard case enhance comfort and portability. The Instinct SL combines ergonomic balance, fast handling, and traditional style, making it ideal for hunters seeking a responsive, lightweight shotgun.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon

Type: Over-Under
Gauge: 20 and 12-gauge
Overview: The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting is a premium over/under shotgun designed for clay target shooting, available in 12-gauge or 20-gauge with 3-inch chambers. It features 30-inch or 32-inch Steelium® Optimabore® HP barrels with Optimachoke® HP chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F included) for smooth ballistics, reduced recoil, and dense patterns. Weighing approximately 7.6–7.8 pounds, its low-profile 686 action with conical locking lugs ensures strength and a lively feel. The grade-2 oil-finished walnut stock with B-Fast® adjustable comb and Schnabel forend offers superior grip and customization. A redesigned top lever enhances smooth operation, and the floral-engraved receiver, crafted with 5-axis laser technology, adds elegance. With a polished stainless-steel trigger, Microcore recoil pad, and top-tang barrel selector, it delivers precise balance and reliable performance for competitive shooters.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

Browning 725 Sporting

Type: Over-Under
Gauge: 12 and 20-gauge
Overview: The Browning Citori 725 Sporting is a premium over/under shotgun designed for competitive clay shooting, available in 12-gauge or 20-gauge with 3-inch chambers. It features 30-inch or 32-inch ported barrels with a floating rib, Invector-DS choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, SK), and a HiViz Pro-Comp sight with ivory mid-bead for enhanced target acquisition. Weighing 7.5–7.8 pounds, its low-profile steel receiver with silver nitride finish and gold-accented engraving ensures durability and balance, complemented by a gloss oil-finished Grade III/IV walnut stock with a close-radius grip and palm swell. The FireLite mechanical trigger delivers a crisp, light pull, while the Inflex II recoil pad reduces felt recoil. With a 50/50 point of impact, Triple Trigger System for adjustable length of pull, and Total Barrel Dynamics for optimized performance, the Citori 725 Sporting offers unmatched precision and a “one with the gun” feel for sporting clays enthusiasts.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

Browning Citori CX

Type: Over-Under
Gauge: 12-gauge
Overview: The Browning Citori CX is a versatile over/under shotgun designed for crossover performance in trap, skeet, sporting clays, and upland hunting. Available in 12-gauge with a 3-inch chamber, it features 28-inch or 30-inch lightweight profile barrels with a 60/40 point of impact, ventilated top and side ribs, and Vector Pro forcing cones for consistent patterns. Weighing approximately 8.5 pounds, its Grade II American walnut stock with a gloss finish and Inflex recoil pad ensures comfort, while the adjustable Triple Trigger System allows personalized fit. The steel receiver sports a silver nitride finish with gold-accented CX logo engraving. Equipped with three Midas grade Invector-Plus choke tubes (F, M, IC) and ivory front and mid-bead sights, this durable, elegant shotgun delivers reliable performance across disciplines.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

Benelli M2 Field Compact

Type: Semi-Automatic
Gauge: 20-gauge
Overview: The Benelli M2 Field Compact is a lightweight, semi-automatic 20-gauge shotgun designed for youth and smaller-framed shooters, ideal for hunting and clay shooting. Featuring a 24-inch Crio®-treated barrel with a 3-inch chamber, it reliably cycles target loads to heavy magnums using Benelli’s Inertia-Driven® system for clean, adjustment-free operation. Weighing just 5.7 pounds with a 13⅛-inch length of pull, its black synthetic ComforTech® stock reduces recoil by up to 48%, ensuring comfort. The shotgun includes three Crio® choke tubes (IC, M, F), a red-bar front sight, and a 3+1 capacity. With a sleek, ergonomic design and a 10-year warranty, the M2 Field Compact delivers rugged reliability and fast handling for upland game, waterfowl, or clays.
Manufacturer Link, click HERE.

Conclusion