I have a buddy that just purchased one of these for his son. He would like to get a ported choke to lighten the recoil and tighten up the pattern a bit. He doesn't want it super full because he would like the shot to be under 20 yards and leave a little room for error. Any choke/shell recommendations that won't break the bank?
I really like the Truglo GSX .565 ported choke for that type hunting. With Winchester HV #6's it gives a forgiveable pattern at 15 yards and still kills easy out to 35!
I have a .565 Truglo GSX that I use a good bit on my 870 and it does very well at the distances you are talking about and you won't need to mortgage your house to buy one
Shot an 870 youth today with a Limbsaver pad and a Jellyhead with 2 3/4" Federal 6 1oz. heavy field loads for a friend's kid to hunt with. Recoil was very mild and had a good pattern out to 30 yds. The pad seems to help more than the ported choke.
I agree, a good Sims/Limbsaver pad will help more than any ported choke.
I do agree with not over choking for the kids. Most of the time we get the birds in close for the juniors ( we have a 2 day season that opens a week before the regular season in Cali) , its more of the decoy placement. Also have hunted from blinds with kids and been more successful, unless they are more experienced and don't fidget much. Also agree with the Winchester HV 6's. Have fun.