410 Pump

[rgs1975]

Went skeet shooting this weekend and brought the wife along with me. Low and behold she loved it but she didn't love the recoil of my Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 20ga.

I'd like to get her a pump action 410 and took a look around today to see what's out there. The budget is a concern, can't go with any high dollar pieces.

So far I've found the Remington 870 Wingmaster LW and the Mossberg 500. Anyone have any experience with either of these two guns in 410? Anyone recommend a different pump in 410?

Thanks for the help.

[sloguy]

i recommend the knoxx reduced recoil stocks and to stick with 20 gauge or 12 gauge.

as far as 410 pumps go ive only handled the mossberg but havent shot one.

[Sydwaiz]

Winchester Model 42! I've got an 1100 in .410, a Model 42, and some old O/U. .410 will be more frustrating than anything. I'd keep her on a 20ga but find some light target loads and make sure she is standing correctly.(lean in to it) Maybe find an autoloader in 20ga. Oh yeah, and make sure the gun fits her correctly!

.410s come out when you get bored with everything else and need a challenge.

[Rob P.]

The featherweight has more recoil than a std .20 ga because of the weight difference.

I would look into a nice autoloader in .20 ga and some target loads. Get her a nice padded shooters vest too.

And prepare to be outshot on the line.

[461]

+1 for what everyone else said. The .410 will make her hate shooting clays as it's truly an experts gun for the sport. Don't take it wrong, I love the .410 and even reload for it but it's very tough to hit the birds with that little round.

A semi-auto 20gauge that fits her will make her love it. Semi -auto bleeds off some gas pressure to cycle the gun and reduces some recoil, a good fit and a good recoil pad mated with a padded vest will have her enjoying the game.

[rgs1975]

Thanks for the info and advice guys.

My specific problem here is she was complaining about how heavy my Ithaca Featherweight was in addition to complaining about the recoil.

If I get her a 20ga auto it will solve the recoil problem but only worsen the dead weight problem.

I thought of the 410 because it would be a decrease both in recoil and dead weight.

Maybe a 28ga would fit the bill. Have zero experience with these, is ammo expensive and easily available? Any good models out there?

[Sydwaiz]

Another problem with pumps and even autoloaders is they are front heavy and longer compared to O/U with the same length barrel. My wife can bust clays all day with my Citori but she wanted a pump so I got her an 870 and she complains about it being front heavy.

[CSACANNONEER]

When it comes to clats, .410s are considered experts guns. My stepson will only shoot one of my 12 gauges, a 391 that I put a 20g youth stock on. Even then, he will only shoot AA extra lite loads out of it. He's not a wimp, he's even shot one of my 50BMGs competitively. Anyway, if you really are stuck on a .410 (they are fun), I'd suggest an 870 over a Mossberg. The .410 Mossbergs are hit 'n miss. Either you get a great one or you'll always have problems with it. I've got an 870, 11-48, grandpa's old single shot and a M-7 survivial rifle all in .410.