The Ithaca Featherlight is a very nice light shotgun. I have the older model and it is very nice - very easy to change barrels and clean.

I will take that into consideration!

How bout a TC Encore with a 20g slug barrel. Then he can go muzzle loader and what ever else he wants

Rossi has some pretty good matched set combos as well.

I like the versatility, as well as the fact that they're single shots which I believe helps to instill discipline... If you know your only going to get one shot, you'll learn to make it count.

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-list.cfm?category=2

I bought one of my daughters and my son "starter" weapons for different kinds of hunting. Unless it's incredibly cheap, I think the "starter" deal is sort of a waste of time.

Kids progress so fast (both physically and as shooters) that it'll probably be a waste of money. Get him something he'll use until he gets old enough to buy something that he really likes and really suits him.

I wouldn't spend $1,500 on a Browning, but I'd probably opt for something step or so above an NEF single-shot.

If we were dealing with rifles, I'd say a good used .30-30 lever, or a good used newer model bolt (Ruger American, for example) if you can find one.

Since we're talking shotguns, I'd say a 12-gauge...a good, used, Remington 870 or a Mossy 500 (which would be a little cheaper).

how old is the kid?

Savage 220 youth gun I have the adult version and it is very accurate and not to heavy. You won't go wrong with it and he will have it for years to come.

My kid is 12

I would recommend for a shotgun, 20g either rem870 or moss500. Do not in any way get the cheapest ones. The metal on those things rust just looking out the window at fog. 20g are fun don't have the big kick and can shoot slugs or shot just as good and can be utilized for years to hunt a wide range of animals.

Yeah I'd stay away from the 870/500 12 gauge. I can't believe somebody that has shot those with a slug would suggest that for a child.