Every state, except Iowa.

Sorry, an 870 is a poor example of a beginners gun. Ill grant you the specific youth models of the 870 and the Mossberg might be worse than no gun, but, figuring that out should be up to the non beginner that is the mentor.

After I adapted a 26 barrel to replace the 18 barrel that came on a Mossberg Youth 20 gauge, it became a superb starter gun. The only barrel available for the youth 20 gauge is 18 from Mossberg, so you have to procure a longer one from a 20 gauge model 500 and relocate the lug to make it work. The plastic stock has good dimensions, the two shot magazine helps keep it light, and it is trim and well balanced. With the long barrel, anyway.

My kid loved it, but, has moved on to 12s.

Best,
Ted