Marlin....solid reputation.

at one time, not anymore. since they were taken over by remington, marlin fans haven't been too happy with the new products. these poor quality items are often referred to as Remlins.

you might want to look for older models (usually stamped with a "JM" on the barrel).

if you doubt this, check out the threads at the marlin forums (www.marlinowners.com) or just google "marlin remington"

Even my old Marlin never could run more than two tubes before it started jamming, its probably 30 years old now and I haven't shot it in 25, but when I was a kid I had to clean it often.

Whats your guys thoghts on age for first shooting a shotgun? I have my little 20 gauge kept for the kids, my son is 7 now but hes small for his age so I'm thinking it may be a while yet. I'm wondering if maybe I should look into one of the .410 adapters for it to start with.

I would wait until 12 or so. Physical size is important, but even more so is mental maturity. Of course, when you hand any kid a firearm, you are making a critical statement about their capability and your opinion of his/her development. Everyone is a little bit different.

For a slightly different perspective: When I was stationed in the state of Maine a bzillion years ago, it was not uncommon for guys to use their .30-30 lever-action for everything. They were very proficient with them for squirrels, rabbits, and deer. Some may have "fished" with them, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Cowboy action loads
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101211161242AA10XYo

Here are some commercial Cowboy light loads that work well on small game.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/538205/...-nose-box-of-20

Loading your own of course can be a lot cheaper.

Lever action + Cowboy action = me getting to love out my Calamity Jane fantasy. LOL!

Agreed. Big part of why we're taking our time on this. We were at the archery range with our Cub Pack the other night, shooting recurve bows, and he pointed at the guy beside him while loading a couple of times. Not on purpose, but not thinking either.

He's not quite there yet.

I'm shooting air rifles with Troop next week, and he's invited. I'll bring him to at least watch, and we'll see how it goes.

500 dollar fantasy Henry Golden Boy

Yee haw!!