Shotgun for Wifey

[LTP90]

So the wifey has started to enjoy shooting clays with me, and I'm looking for a shotgun for her. She doesn't like to shoot to many rounds with me because my 870 kicks a bit to much for her liking. It's a 20 gauge and never though much about it kicking.
First off before I go off and buy a new/another shotgun, what does everyone think about adding a butt pad to the end of the gun? Would it make a noticeable difference for her? I'm worried about adding length to the gun with her size. (She is 5'6" so she is probably average size).

Now if I was to buy her a new shotgun it would be an autoloader. We have looked at several models. (I should also mention that she complains my 870 is too heavy but she may have to just buck up on that field).
We looked at the 11-87 but it seems much more plain and cheesy compared to the one my father has that has a glossy stock and engraving. She also found the for end to be large.
Also looked at the Weatherby SA-08, but not in 20, only in 12. Wasn't sure that I liked it, and she didn't seem to think much of it.
She liked the Beretta A300, but it doesn't look like they make it in 20 gauge.
She also really liked the Benelli Montefeltro (of course the most expensive).
I think she liked it because of the slim for end and the weight. But I'm leary to drop a Grand on a gun that I'm not sure will really kick that much less.

I've also thought about a Browning Silver hunter, but none of the 4 shops we went to had one.
I'm looking to spend less than or equal to a grand for a new gun for her if that's the route we go.

Does anyone have any experience with any of the above or other ideas?
Thanks

[GunninIt]

Don't know where you're at, but there's nothing quite like trying one out before buying. BBB and Oak Tree both rent shotguns. BBB would be my choice, as they have a pretty excellent selection.

That said, you really haven't said how much you're willing to spend. If your wife was into it a little more, I'd look at a Beretta A400 with kick-off. It's not cheap, and based on your comments about the Monte, it may be too much, but I can guarantee that she'd enjoy it.

That said, you can modify nearly any stock with a kick-ease/off-type system. That's going to start costing you money, and likely require you to take it to an installer.

You can also go higher end and look for a 28 gauge. I bought my wifey an older Stoeger Condor 410, and jokes about the Stoeger aside, it's a great gun. Lots of fun. 410 isn't the best for a noob, but it's fun.

Lots of options out there for you...just get her out and let her try them.

[trapperjohn]

You don't say what version of the Weatherby SA-08 you looked at...I bought my wife an SA-08 Deluxe and she loves it, shoots it well. It has about 1500 rounds through it and has performed flawlessly.

It is truly a beautiful gun, with quality walnut, a slim forend, and is very easy to clean. With little effort, the LOP can be shortened, but at 5'-6", it likely would fit her pretty well as is. I added a Trulock extended choke as the factory flush chokes are just okay, and a larger bolt handle I got from Weatherby (from their SA-459 tactical gun) to make opening the action easier for her.

I can honestly say it rivals any B-gun autoloader in looks, quality, and performance for a fraction of the cost.

[Tom-ADC]

Beretta A390 Sporting Clays 20 ga.

[DArBad]

Check out the Mossberg 500 " Bantam " model. If I remember correctly, they are available in 20 gauge, even the .410.

They were specifically made by Mossberg for young shooters, the ladies, and even small statured males. LOP hovers around 10 to over 13 7/8 maximum, depending on how long/short the shooter wants it to be (they are supplied with spacers).

Good luck.

[bigbearbear]

If your current shotgun does not have a good recoil pad, adding or switching to a good one will help. I'm not familiar with the different brands however, so I can't comment on these products.

However, for recoil, my recommendation would be to get her a nice, good looking shooting vest that has recoil pad on the shoulder instead. Unlike recoil pads on stocks of shotguns, the should recoil pad on shooting vests are wider and helps spread the recoil energy over a larger area. This translates into less painful sensation for the shooter.

For the shotgun itself, my wife uses a Benelli M2 Field Compact 12 gauge, they also have 20 gauge version. The Benelli M2 is a well proven shotgun and their Field Compact models also come with the Benelli signature recoil system known as Comfortech. These help in reducing felt recoil.

But if budget is tight, I would take another look at the Weatherby SA-08. I've seen them a the shotgun range I shoot at (Coyote Valley in Morgan Hill) and they look and feel like much more expensive shotguns. Plus, the Weatherby HQ is located in California, if you end up requiring customer service, they'll be much easier to deal with since you'll be in the same time zone and perhaps even drive to their office at Paso Robles.

[ysr_racer]

My wife shoots an older Rem 1100 20ga youth model. With a good quality vest it shouldn't be a problem.

[XVIga_Rob]

Most all after market 870 recoil pads, are for 12ga only. As said, start with a shooting vest. If that ain't enough, pony up for a new SA. Take a look at the Winchester SX3 too.

[JonS]

Franchi affinity 20 gauge

[RNE228]

Find a range that rents. Or, that has a Womens shooting league. Go and have her try a variety to see what fits her best.

Maybe ask in the "Ladies Forum" here on Calguns.

[powderedtoastman]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe a gas-driven semi auto is going to have less felt recoil than an inertia/recoil operated system. Correct?
I.E. my model 11 remington(recoil) feels like randy johnson pitching a fastball into my shoulder, but my 1100 feels like a massage in comparison.

[Huntsprig]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe a gas-driven semi auto is going to have less felt recoil than an inertia/recoil operated system. Correct?
I.E. my model 11 remington(recoil) feels like randy johnson pitching a fastball into my shoulder, but my 1100 feels like a massage in comparison.

Correct. ^^^
Since she is recoil sensitive, I would go with a gas operated gun.
Of the guns mentioned here I would check on the Berettas or the Remington 1100.

Also check out the Browning Silver and the Winchester Super X2.

You will also need to find out weight she is comfortable with.
A lighter gun will have more felt recoil than a heaver one.

[Newshooter]

Beretta 3901RL target...the RL stands for reduced length for youth anspd smaller shooters. It has the same gas system as the beretta autos and a 12 ga that fits will kick less than a 20 ga pump.

My wife is 5' 6" and 125# and can't shoot her 20 ga over/under that she inherited but loves shooting my Beretta 391 in 12 ga as the 12 ga has less felt recoil.

Best advice is to try before you buy....if possible.

[Ray P.]

The a300 is a really soft shot. My weatherby pump on the other hand would beat the hell out of my shoulder.

[Sunday]

Go to the gun store and let the wife pick out her own gun. Do you pick out her shoes and panties for her?