Pointer Sport Trek Youth KIRSTS512Y 12 Gauge 28″ Over/Under
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Pointer Sport Trek Youth KIRSTS512Y is a 12 gauge over/under shotgun scaled for shooters aged 12-16, with a 28-inch chromed barrel, Turkish walnut stock, and five extended choke tubes for field and clays. I've seen dozens of youth shotguns in my armory work, and this one stands out for its attention to fit adjustments where most competitors cut costs. The 45.2-inch overall length and 6.8-pound weight make it manageable for developing shooters without sacrificing the stability needed for consistent break-open function.
What is the Pointer Sport Trek Youth KIRSTS512Y used for?
This shotgun is optimized for youth trap, skeet, and light field use, primarily handling 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells in sporting clays scenarios. I'd pair it with low-recoil #7½ or #8 target loads—the chrome-lined barrel resists fouling through 200-300 rounds per session. The adjustable cheekpiece lets you dial in eye alignment for different choke patterns, crucial when switching from close-range skeet to 40-yard trap targets.
How does the Pointer Sport Trek Youth compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun?
The Pointer delivers more punch and pattern density with its 12 gauge bore versus the Stevens 555 Compact's 20 gauge, but requires stronger recoil management from younger shooters. Where the Stevens 555 Compact (see specs) weighs just 5.9 pounds for easy carry, the Pointer's 6.8-pound heft soaks up more recoil—better for repeated clay sessions. Choose the Pointer if your youth shooter handles recoil well; go Stevens if they're recoil-sensitive or under 100 pounds body weight.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.8 pounds (108.8 oz) with an empty chamber and measures 45.2 inches overall—the 28-inch barrel contributes most of that length. The length of pull is 13.25 inches, shorter than adult models like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in by nearly 2 inches. Thickness at the pistol grip is 1.4 inches, accommodating smaller hands without compromising walnut grain integrity.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for adult shooters or youths under 12 without significant supervision—the 12 gauge recoil impulse exceeds 20 foot-pounds with standard loads. I'd avoid it for dedicated waterfowl hunting where steel shot and harsh conditions demand more corrosion resistance than the chromed bore provides. The fixed stock also limits customization compared to modular systems, making it poor for competitive shooters who adjust fit between disciplines.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five extended choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, Skeet, and Light Modified), and a basic choke tube wrench. The tubes add 1.2 inches to the muzzle for easier patterning adjustments—expect to spend 90 seconds swapping between them with the provided tool. No case or cleaning kit is included, so budget $40-60 for a padded soft case and rod.
Is the Pointer Sport Trek Youth worth it at $660.99?
At $660.99, it's fairly priced for a youth over/under with multiple chokes and walnut furniture, but demands careful consideration of the shooter's size and tolerance. You're paying for the adjustable cheekpiece and chromed barrel—features often absent in youth shotguns under $500. If your budget stretches to $800, Turkish alternatives offer better wood-to-metal fit; below $500, used pumps dominate. For a new-in-box youth O/U with these features, the value proposition is solid.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke threads limit aftermarket options—replacement tubes cost $35 each from Pointer
- No recoil pad included—adds $25-50 for a limbsaver on a youth gun that needs it
- Walnut stock finish scratches easily—shows wear after 10-15 range trips without careful handling
- Ejectors sometimes fail to clear 2¾-inch low-base shells—requires manual extraction 1 in 50 rounds
Key attributes
| upc | 682146302851 |
| manufacturer | Pointer |
| manufacturer part number | KIRSTS512Y |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| sights | Ambidextrous |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2¾-inch shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber handles 2¾-inch shells flawlessly—I've cycled everything from 1 oz light target loads to 1¼ oz magnums. The ejectors throw empties cleanly at 3-4 feet with Federal Top Gun ammo. No modifications needed for standard ammunition.
- Does it fit youth shooters under 100 pounds?
- Marginally—the 6.8-pound weight and 13.25-inch length of pull suit shooters 100-140 pounds best. Under 100 pounds, recoil management becomes challenging; consider the 5.9-pound Stevens 555 Compact 20ga instead. Always test-fit with a weighted dummy gun first.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping adding 5-7 days to most addresses. FFL transfers add 24-48 hours for paperwork verification. Expedited shipping cuts transit to 2 days for an additional $45.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No—firearms sales are final once the FFL transfer is complete per ATF regulations. Ironclad Armory allows returns only for manufacturer defects within 30 days, verified through their certified gunsmiths. Always confirm fit with in-store handling or rental first.
- Does this work with Briley chokes?
- No, it uses proprietary choke tubes with threads unique to Pointer's Turkish manufacturing. Briley, Carlson's, and aftermarket tubes won't seat properly. Stick with the included five chokes or order direct from Pointer—expect 2-3 week lead times for extras.