Buddy of mine had a savage 20 guage 22 magnum combo. I was amazed at the accuracy of the 22 magnum out of that thing. it was light, and being so short, easy to carry through brush, unlike my 32" magnum 5.

Ive done a lot of research on this over the last few weeks, from what i have gathered the two lowest recoiling youth shotguns are Rem 1100 and the Beretta 391(youth model).I believe any shotgun that is gas operated is going to have a lot less recoil.Im going to look at and shoot a youth 1100 today, if its in really good shape im going to pull the trigger.Goodluck with search!

I'd recommend going with a 20ga over the .410 ro 28ga. Ammo will be easier to find and cheaper. The 20 is a pretty good shell that offers some flexibility.

Look for a gun that has a stock that can be extended or changed out as your young hunter grows.

My fiance shoots a Rem 1100 LT-20 that was cut down to fit her length of pull. It's chambered for 2 3/4" shells. So far she's taken ducks, pheasant and her first turkey with it.

Btw my first gun was a stainless steel rossi 410/22 I still have it lol

my first shotgun was a used stevens single shot 12 gauge. now for your son i would reccomend a .410 or 20 rather than a 12. but stevens makes a very good gun. that old single shot is still my goto shotgun.

my first was a mossberg 500 .410

My son in law picked up a new Remington 870 express 20 ga in youth model. It is a very short and light pump action perfect for smaller shooters and quite inexpensive.