Wife's first shotgun

[sparky8unny]

Looking for input on models of 410 shotgun for wife.

I've learned something recently, the hard way. If someone isn't in to shooting, and you want them to be, DON'T STRESS THEM OUT AT THE RANGE. I now know my wife can handle 9mm (and prefers the $ig P226) but it wasn't worth making her not want to shoot with me any more. So I've decided to make amends, by buying her a shotgun.

I've decided on 410. She hates lound noises. She does not like recoil. She likes the 22lr if I keep my mouth shut. I want her to have a firearm she enjoys shooting. Secretly, I'm wagering feeling confident and comfortable with a firearm is very important if she has to defend our home (most likely from rabid skunks, but you never know). I know 5.56, 20 ga have more cow bell. I also know she wouldn't touch these with a 10 foot pole, yet. I need a gateway drug: more lethal than 22lr, not likely to hit a neighbor, that can also be used to plink at free-range biodegradable clay pigeon-zombies. 410 seems to be it.

Gently suggesting The Joys of Shotgun will be a process that takes months, so I want to get it right. I've looked at Mossy 510 & 505, Browning BPS, Rossi lever action, Remington 1100 & 11-48, and Saiga. I'd prefer a semi because she can't short stroke it under stress. On the other hand, it's not a deal breaker. The Mossy and Saiga are the most affordable. The Saiga probably looks too 'assaulty' for her. Used 1100's & 11-48's were $900 on gunbroker, which seemed high. Are there any models I'm missing? Any suggestions?

[Bull Elk]

You may want to consider a KOFS Calvery OU in either .410 or 28 gauge. I have both and would recommend the 28 gauge. Both are right around $500 new. The 28 gauge shells may cost a bit more but you won't be under gunned for pheasant size game. I love my .410 but enjoy the 28 gauge a bit more. There is a gun shop in Sacramento that has both.

[BigFatGuy]

Take a class (together, maybe, but remember you are a STUDENT in the class, not an instructor), let her try some different types, let her find out what she likes.

It sounds like you've already burned one bridge, don't burn another one the same way.

[ceh383]

I'd go for the 1100, however, since you are looking at high dollar shells anyway, I'd go for a 28ga.

[Thefeeder]

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The best thing you can do is sponsor a lesson with a shooting instructor, as in a clays instructor, not a weapons instructor. As BFG said if you do the lesson together....let the instructor teach.

FYI...Instructors offen send their GF's and wives to other instructors for the first few lessons....myself included. Its just the way it is.

[ysr_racer]

A .410 is generally regarded as the worst choice for a first shotgun. They are not for beginners.

[Thefeeder]

I'd go for the 1100, however, since you are looking at high dollar shells anyway, I'd go for a 28ga.

Second a semi 28ga....and ear plugs under muffs

[BigFatGuy]

My wife and I ended up in some of our worst fights when she tried to teach me to drive, and when I tried to teach her to shoot.

Some things just cannot be DIY.

[RNE228]

This...!

Some ranges have clubs and classes just for women; that would be even better.

Take a class (together, maybe, but remember you are a STUDENT in the class, not an instructor), let her try some different types, let her find out what she likes.

It sounds like you've already burned one bridge, don't burn another one the same way.

[RNE228]

Oh, FWIW, my wife loves my Grandmothers old Steven 410 bolt action. Of course, she like shooting Hawken 50 cal muzzle loader too.

[L84CABO]

"you've decided on 410."

Does she have an opinion on this? My point is trying to figure out what speaks to HER as she'll be more motivated and probably find it more enjoyable. Has she expressed an interest in a shotgun and particularly the 410?

Something else that comes to mind is a lever action rifle in 38/357. 38 out of a rifle is a dream to shoot. And she can step it up to 357 for defensive purposes.

Just an idea.

[bigbearbear]

Why don't you get her a 9mm carbine, perhaps something like a Just Right Carbine? Once she is used to shooting the 9mm you can change the caliber on it too.

[Svetlana]

Is she weary of shotguns or the 410 shotguns in particular?

You could always go to a rifle range and rent one for her to try out.

I'm still kind of new to guns, so when I went to my LGS and first saw an AR-15 I freaked out, thinking they were illegal. But my GS explained things to me, let me hold and play with a few... gradually the fear went away once I understood things better.

Admittedly, a .22lr looks more like a "safe traditional wholesome gun", even to me.

But after a while I didn't find the AR's so scary, they were very comfortable and easy, I think its just their looks that are deceptive. Everyone is weary of different things for different reasons but fears and be overcome with education and reason.

[Steve_In_29]

OP where are you located?

I have a .410 pump and semis in 20 and 12G she can try

[Bull Elk]

If you go with a .410, remember that while it has little recoil, it is quite limiting with what you can do with it. Many consider the .410 to be a marksman's shotgun because of the skill required to be proficient firing it accurately.