Need Recommendation for Daughter's First Shotgun

[SDS-Ruger]

The SA-20 by mossberg has almost no recoil. plus it has a little bit shorter LOP than the standard 12ga sime by mossberg.

[RonZ]

Where are you located? It is a good thing to get them in a clinic to learn the basics. If you're in SoCal I can provide you with the shotguns to try out also.

BJ1333,

I am up North in the south SFO bay area. I like your idea and plan to take the girls for some professional instruction first. My local clays club also rents guns so I can have the girls try several bores and types.

Thanks for the idea!

[RonZ]

Thanks to all who replied to this thread and for all the great advice.

I am now leaning towards a 20 semi but will let the girls try several guns before I buy.

[JagerDog]

What part of south SFO? Metcalf (Santa Clara Field Sports Park) is close to me. I've got a variety of shotguns.

[POWG]

Daughters first shotgun...

Food for thought. It is not their age ...but rather, their size and what they can handle - without strain or pain.

Get with someone for some quality instruction ...there is a distinct difference between instruction and "pointers" and especially when working with family members. TARGET SOLUTIONS SHOTGUN CLINICS [yours truly in Northern California] is one and we would be pleased to provide a complimentary, introductory session for your daughters - we have a 28 Ga. Remington 1100 & 20 Ga. Benelli autoloaders sized for smaller shooters.

It is good to see most manufacturers offering a selection of guns suitable for women and children... In my opinion, way, way overdue! As to the 20 gauge for beginners ...beware of the "cheap" Game & Target Loads, which come with the unintended consequence of excessively high recoil. When dealing with new shooters or those of smaller stature, we suggest the purchase special Low Recoil Training Loads available through most of the major ammo companies. In so doing you will be making an important investment for their future in the shooting sports.

A precautionary comment here ...I have seen way too many of these horror stories ...If at all possible stay away from the single shot "Youth Model" 20 Ga Shotguns unless using the low recoil training loads and even then be careful. These guns are very light ...and can be very punishing. The youth model pump guns are an option as they have more mass and weight ...but use the Training Loads. Preferred options IMO would be a quality Auto Loader if finances allow

As to the comments in various posts about the .410 ...much depends upon target presentation. Understand that most "trap type targets" meaning those traveling away from the shooter are panic inducing and invite aiming the gun rather than learning to point & shoot. That is not a good thing! They also stretch the effective limits of the .410. With the correct presentation, which we can create, the .410 can is a very effective tool for small children and even some women. Just yesterday while in TDS Guns I saw and examined a "pint sized" Mossberg Pump .410 that I would not hesitate to use training shooters of very small stature ...as I recall only $299.00. We will be adding one of these to our inventory of training guns in the very near future!

Congratulations on your desire to introduce your girls into the world of the shooting sports & have fun!

POWG is out.

[runway1]

Don't know what your price range is but...I shot a 20ga Beretta xplorer with their "kick off" pad. A girl scout could shoot that all day and break one cookie!

Beautiful shooter and the softest shotgun I've ever shot. I believe they're about $1400 but she'll shoot that thing forever.

[Trojans]

I bought my 10 yo son a Mossberg 500 super bantam 20 gauge today. It weighs 5.25 lbs with a 22" barrel and comes with a 50% off certificate for a full size stock for the future. The length of pull is adjustable from 11"-13". It is a 5+1 but has a limitor that makes it single shot until you feel comfortable enough to remove it. $300.

[Newshooter]

Beretta 3901 in 12 gauge. Make sure you shoot one ounce or 7/8 ounce loads. Hardly any recoil and the Beretta will cycle a 7/8 ounce load with no problem. If you decide on a 20 ga, Beretta makes those as well.

My wife shoots a Beretta auto in 12 ga but she can't shoot an over-under in 20 ga because of the recoil.