410 question

[JagerDog]

If you go the 410 route look at the offerings from Henry. They now offer there 410 lever gun with a side loading gate. Of course that came out shortly after I bought my tube fed model. Send me a private message if your wife would like to try mine. I am located in eastern part of the IE, if there is a range open that would be convenient.

TMK those are restricted to 2-1/2" which further limits available HD ammo both in availability and effectiveness.

[Coolguy101]

My 25 year old daughter is 5'0, and weighs 95lbs. She wanted to get into shotgunning a while back, and I had her try anything and everything out there in terms of gauge and platform type.

Basically, .410 is all she can and wants to handle. She has a sweet little side by side, and while definitely takes more skill and aim to break clays with that thing, still works. Its light, not too long, and points well as the weight is all in the stock. That was one of her issues with some other gauged shotguns - they were too long, too heavy, especially in the front. She just got tired trying to hold it up.

For home defense, I got her slugs. Say what you want, but if both barrels get cooked off into somebody, it is going to do some serious damage.

She, like my wife who is 5'2" and weighs about the same, isn't strong enough to wrack the slide on a semi auto pistol. They both struggle and strain, but just can't do it. The shotgun is something both can handle easily, and aiming for them is far superior than a revolver.

[plumbum]

Basically, .410 is all she can and wants to handle. She has a sweet little side by side, and while definitely takes more skill and aim to break clays with that thing, still works. Its light, not too long, and points well as the weight is all in the stock.

Okay, so maybe like 20 years ago, when I was a delivery guy, I went to the house of a little old lady - lived out in a rural area by herself. Propped Up next her front door was a classic looking double in .410 looking like it had earned its keep. I mentioned it in normal conversation, complimenting her on being prepared. She told me she used it all the time, and had taken out coyotes and critters that raid her coops. I have no doubts she knew what she was doing and would be able to take care of business if need be.

[870classic]

Just an opinion from an old certified shotgun instructor, ... but,
have your wife talk with and work with a firearms instructor she is comfortable with (Perhaps a female) and have the two of them develop a plan for your wife's defense firearm of her choosing. (Shotgun, handgun or rifle.)

I would highly suggest you do not pick out her firearm or be there during the instruction.

Best regards,
870classic.