RE: best 12 guage for young turkey hunter?
If you're gonna get a 12 Ga, you should probably get a heavy one to reduce the felt recoil. If you want a pump gun, I'd go with a Remington 870, and add a Sims recoil pad. An autoloader might be better as far as recoil goes, but a pump gun is probably a little safer, a little less expensive, and all you'll ever need for turkeys. It wont be bad when you shoot at a bird no matter what gun you have, but you'll beat yourself up plenty trying to pattern your gun if the gun is light and it kicks hard. Also, stay away from 3.5 inch shells, you won't need em. Good Luck!