Why all the youth models?

[FLINT]

Hey guys, I'm thinking of getting a 20 pump for turkey and grouse, and have been reading up a bunch on here, and have noticed that a ton of you guys are using youth models.  Is there any particular reason for that?  I don't think I'd want to shoot a shotgun with a short stock very much - seems like it would make recoil less pleasant - and put your face in a bad position to get beat up by your thumb or the stock or receiver or something.  I know a 20 ga recoils less than a 12 for sure, but still. 

[noggin buster]

Shorter barrels, smaller frames. You can double recoil pad.  For wing shooting like grouse you may want a gun that fits.

[R AJ]

That's why you don't see youth 12s. The 20s with a short stock are acceptable since you are shooting still or standing targets mostly, another reason. The shorter barrels are handy also.

[gobblergls]

The lighter weight and compactness of the youth models is what attracted me to the Mossy Super Bantam for a turkey gun.  Mossberg included a certificate that gives a discount to purchase the adult sized stock once the child  grows--or to extend LOP for an adult.  I liked the idea of slipping another recoil pad over the factory pad. 

[FLINT]

ok, that makes sense, thanks!

[BowBendr]

I'm a big 'ol boy, and when i'm nestled up against a tree waiting for a tom to come in, my 870 youth with the 1/2" spacer added fits me like a glove. Compact, lightweight, short barrel...the best of all worlds......

[timberchicken]

It's all what fits you. I am 6'4 with the arms of a guy that is 6'8" worst kick I ever got was off a 20 gauge over under youth gun. Never made it to my shoulder until I pulled the trigger.

[pauld]

I'm a big 'ol boy, and when i'm nestled up against a tree waiting for a tom to come in, my 870 youth with the 1/2" spacer added fits me like a glove. Compact, lightweight, short barrel...the best of all worlds......

this! I shoot the 870 youth as well with a SureShot stock on it. Light, compact and is a dream to carry, manuver and shoot. At 6'4" it is very comfortable to shoot and fits great.