I almost edited the original post but wanted to add that what I am trying to express is seeing through a youth's eyes can express fear in handling size. I know you can get lighter loads that make a 12 identical to the recoil as a 20 gauge but young people see physical size differences and get timid. Start them out with a 20 gauge and scrape up in the meantime to but them a 12 later on. A 20 will keep them going on anything a 12 will do in the meantime. Enjoy turkey hunting!