Shotgun Purchase - Help!

[meyerlemony]

So...I've become pretty proficient on rifle and pistol, and my uncle keeps inviting me out to shoot clays with him in matches down at Raahague's. I'm sure I could borrow one, but the likelihood of someone else's shotgun fitting me is 0.

I've messed around with a Remington 870 (home defense pump shotgun, basically) and what I have learned is that shooting a shotgun that doesn't fit you is NO fun.

So since this is going to be my "match" gun, I'd like to get something nice, in the $2k range, that I can grow into (skill wise, I'm done growing, unfortunately) and use at matches to not embarrass myself.

I was at my LGS and picked up that Benelli Ethos, and REALLY liked it - unfortunately, due to the recoil system integrated into the stock, it can't be modified to fit me. I heard a rumor that a shorter stock is coming out this summer, but we'll see.

So my question is - what is there out there that is a nice match shotgun, in 12 gauge, that will fit a 5' woman? I'm pretty athletic so I'm not super fragile or anything, I just have short arms. I think I'd like a semi-auto, as well...

Help? Thanks in advance!!

[NYT]

check out the m2 benelli field model. it should fit you a little better than the beretta as it is shorter.

[TempleKnight]

The M2 has interchangeable butt pads to make the stock shorter. Some people don't care for the M2's recoil, but I don't find it objectionable.
The new Remington is getting good reviews, also.

[Thefeeder]

So...I've become pretty proficient on rifle and pistol, and my uncle keeps inviting me out to shoot clays with him in matches down at Raahague's. I'm sure I could borrow one, but the likelihood of someone else's shotgun fitting me is 0.

I've messed around with a Remington 870 (home defense pump shotgun, basically) and what I have learned is that shooting a shotgun that doesn't fit you is NO fun.

So since this is going to be my "match" gun, I'd like to get something nice, in the $2k range, that I can grow into (skill wise, I'm done growing, unfortunately) and use at matches to not embarrass myself.

I was at my LGS and picked up that Benelli Ethos, and REALLY liked it - unfortunately, due to the recoil system integrated into the stock, it can't be modified to fit me. I heard a rumor that a shorter stock is coming out this summer, but we'll see.

So my question is - what is there out there that is a nice match shotgun, in 12 gauge, that will fit a 5' woman? I'm pretty athletic so I'm not super fragile or anything, I just have short arms. I think I'd like a semi-auto, as well...

Help? Thanks in advance!!

Look at shotguns with traditional wood stocks and butt pads.....then just have it cut to length ....the only shot shotgun off the rack is a mossberg bantam....and it still may be to long......close to the Ethos in style and feel is the winchester SX3 , browning gold, beretta 391....try some of those

You will not embarrass yourself......there are different shooter class levels ....E for noobs all the way up to Master class...you will be competing against other shooters in your class

[shovelon]

So-Cal skeet clinic $30.

Coach Don and Richard have loaner shotguns on request, and a proper fitting will be done for you. Then your eyesight will be checked, then taught the proper mount for your stature. Once those are out of the way, memorization of stance and leads for different station will be evaluated, as well as timing will be taught.

I would attend a couple of those before buying. They may suggest 20 ga.

I believe Richard(Capt. Dick) is a certified sporting clays instructor.

[Thefeeder]

So-Cal skeet clinic $30.

Coach Don and Richard have loaner shotguns on request, and a proper fitting will be done for you. Then your eyesight will be checked, then taught the proper mount for your stature. Once those are out of the way, memorization of stance and leads for different station will be evaluated, as well as timing will be taught.

I would attend a couple of those before buying. They may suggest 20 ga.

I believe Richard(Capt. Dick) is a certified sporting clays instructor.

+100

[TAS]

I know Browning makes a Citori Micro Midas Satin Hunter for youth / smaller adult sizes. Not sure if it fits the bill or not but it might be worth checking it out.

Here's a link:

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?fid=008B&cid=013&tid=497

[epic1856]

So-Cal skeet clinic $30.

Coach Don and Richard have loaner shotguns on request, and a proper fitting will be done for you. Then your eyesight will be checked, then taught the proper mount for your stature. Once those are out of the way, memorization of stance and leads for different station will be evaluated, as well as timing will be taught.

I would attend a couple of those before buying. They may suggest 20 ga.

I believe Richard(Capt. Dick) is a certified sporting clays instructor.

+100

+1000

Go here and find out more: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=751207. Next clinic is a couple weeks away with one spot open.

[meyerlemony]

Thanks for that link! That's a good idea. I wish I had waited to buy pistols until AFTER I was well trained, because now I know exactly what I like.

[Sicarius]

Benelli makes a wonderful shotgun. Another semi that is really nice is the Winchester sx3. Tons of features and gas operated so the kick is extremely light. Probably the lightest kicking 12 gauge I have ever shot.
Kevin

[RedFord150]

Take a drive to Pacific Sporting Arms in Azusa. The owner is John.

http://www.pacificsportingarms.com/

$2K is enough too get something good. You should have a lot of choices.
Let John fit the gun too you. He may find something you did not even know existed. I am 95% certain you will end up with the best gun for you.

Good luck.

[bigbearbear]

My wife is 5'4 weighing in at 110lbs, and she uses a Benelli M2 Field Compact 12 gauge. The length of pull (LOP) is shorter than the regular length ones, at 13 1/8", which I think should fit you pretty well but if you can, see if you can try one.

Another option would be the Weatherby SA-08 Synthetic Youth. You can drive to their Paso Robles office and try it out in their showroom. The LOP is very short, 12 1/2" only. This model comes in 20 gauge only however.

If you're not sure what LOP you need/want, also consider a CZ 712. It has a adjustable stock ranging from 12 to 14", pretty interesting.

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-712-als-12-28-fully-adj-ati-polymer-stock-12-14-lop/

Good luck in your purchase.

[hattles]

I was at my LGS and picked up that Benelli Ethos, and REALLY liked it - unfortunately, due to the recoil system integrated into the stock, it can't be modified to fit me. I heard a rumor that a shorter stock is coming out this summer, but we'll see.

So my question is - what is there out there that is a nice match shotgun, in 12 gauge, that will fit a 5' woman? I'm pretty athletic so I'm not super fragile or anything, I just have short arms. I think I'd like a semi-auto, as well...

Help? Thanks in advance!!

Benelli USA
Attn.: Service Department
901 Eighth Street
Pocomoke, MD 21851
Phone: (301) 283-6981 (option 2) or (800) 264-4962 (option 2)

[bellwilliam]

+1 on Weatherby SA-08 Youth 20 gauge. soft shooting and short LOP.
but probably too cheap for you

[ysr_racer]

Take a drive to Pacific Sporting Arms in Azusa. The owner is John.

http://www.pacificsportingarms.com/

$2K is enough too get something good. You should have a lot of choices.
Let John fit the gun too you. He may find something you did not even know existed. I am 95% certain you will end up with the best gun for you.

Good luck.

Yep, don't spend your money on the wrong gun. John will help you get the right one.

Most of the manufacturers make youth and lady models that have a reduce LOP and a slightly shorter barrel.