[Dr. Thorne]

The writer suggests 20 gauge and says don't get a 410, but never says why.

I disagree. The 410 is a terrific load for a kid. My sister used to successfully hunt deer with one in West Virginia. Good for birds and squirrels as well.

[stranger and pilgrim]

The .410 is the worst of all shotgun options. They do OK for squirrels because you’re shooting at a stationary target generally. For anything flying they’re clearly inferior due to the long shot string inherent in the .410 bore. A MUCH better choice would be 28 gauge. The 28 offers shot delivery comparable to the 20 gauge without the long stringing. Shell cost isn’t much higher than .410 (if at all). The main advantage of the 20 is lower shell cost and greater availability. But for low recoil with great shot performance, the 28 gauge is ideal.

BTW, if you want to see somebody really slam the .410, read Michael McIntosh’s writings.

[Rinnwald]

I agree. My immigrant parents didn’t have a hunting tradition, so I didn’t become a gun nut until adulthood. However, my best friend Billy got a .410 when he was 10. Billy was a child of divorce, and it was a great bonding experience with his estranged father, going hunting and camping. He never complained that it wasn’t enough gun.

[terycarl]

I disagree. The 410 is a terrific load for a kid. My sister used to successfully hunt deer with one in West Virginia. Good for birds and squirrels as well

terrible useless toy...and at least in Wisconsin, totally illegal for deer hunting!!