Honest reviews of the shotguns, ear protection, and accessories youth clay target shooters actually use. No fluff — just what works and what's worth the money.
The Beretta 688 is the apex of youth-to-adult progression in clay target shotguns. The 2026 model brings an improved adjustable stock, tighter lockup, and a trigger break that experienced shooters describe as "glass." Mason Smithey's 25-straight speaks for itself.
A pump shotgun is almost always the first gun a young shooter touches — and the Mossberg 500 Youth is the standard. Before most kids ever pick up an O/U, they're running the pump. It builds fundamentals: gun handling, mount, trigger discipline, follow-through. The 20ga Youth model has a 13" LOP stock sized for younger shooters, it's nearly indestructible, and it won't break the bank while your kid figures out if they love the sport. If they do — you upgrade. This is where you start.
The overlooked step that makes everything click. A break-action single shot — the Stevens 301, Savage 220, or similar — is the natural bridge between a pump and a full O/U. Here's the thing about trap: you only get one shot per bird. You don't need a follow-up. A single barrel is enough to compete, and learning the break-action loading motion is exactly what prepares you for the O/U. Under $250, dead simple, and it shoots clays just as well as anything else on this list. Many coaches recommend this as the second gun before spending $2,000 on an O/U.
Beretta's most accessible competition-ready semi-auto. The Youth model has a 13" LOP stock that fits athletes aged 12–16 perfectly. Gas-operated action means softer recoil than a pump or O/U — great for younger or smaller-framed shooters. Reliable, accurate, and easier on the shoulder during high-volume practice.
The O/U is where sporting clays and skeet athletes eventually land — two shots per bird means two barrels. The Citori CX Youth is one of the finest available, with an Inflex recoil pad, Vector Pro forcing cones, and a trigger that serious shooters love. If your kid is focused on trap, they don't need this — a good single-shot will do everything an O/U does. But if they're shooting sporting clays or skeet, this is the gun worth saving up for.
The best electronic ear protection most youth shooters can actually afford. The Tactical 500 uses digital circuitry to amplify ambient sounds (so you can hear your coach) while automatically cutting off the instant a shot fires. NRR 26 provides excellent protection. Bluetooth capability is a nice bonus. Comfortable for all-day range sessions.
The Howard Leight Impact Sport is the single most popular electronic ear muff on USACTL ranges nationwide — and for good reason. At under $50, it offers electronic hear-through capability, NRR 22 protection, and a slim profile that doesn't interfere with gun mount. Every new youth shooter should start here.
Every clay shooter needs a way to carry their shells to the line. The MTM Trap & Skeet Shooter's Box holds 100 shells, has a built-in shell dispenser, and doubles as a seat at the range. Durable, weatherproof, and comes in multiple colors. At $22 it's one of the best gear purchases under $30 in the sport.