RE: side by side question
I've got a buddy whos big into cowboy action shooting. He's been shooting the basic coach gun for years and has never had a problem, he loves the thing. My only thought would be how the 20" barrels would do in an upland situation. If you think your son can swing the gun smoothly with barrels that short than based on my friends experience I'd go for it. Let us know how he likes it on Christmas morning.
DD