I had an Ithaca SKB XL-300 20 ga. that had an aluminum receiver and barrel. Don't know the weight, but it was very light. It had a selector under the forend that could be moved with a coin or screwdriver to L or H for low or high brass ammo. I agree with most here that .410 might actually discourage a beginner, but remember that a small 9 yr. old girl or boy might find even a light 20 ga. guns' recoil excessive. Scale their body weight and small muscles up to yours and you may find that the light 20 ga. to them is equivalent to you absorbing a 10 ga. guns' recoil. So do start with light handloads and consider one of the better recoil pads like the Limbsaver or Decelerator, especially if you plan to lighten an already light gun. Having said all that, a single shot break open gun is the best starting point from a safety standpoint. I still have my Stevens 220 20 ga. I bought with my paper route money.
