Other than the stock, i think the only difference is that the compact has an 18.5" barrel where as the youth model has a 21" barrel. Good luck i think you will be happy with it. Ive been killing turkeys with my 870 youth 20 ga for 12 years now and although i have a safe full of guns, it is still my favorite. Get yourself some Fed Hw #7s and go kill turkeys.