I was going to recommend a 20ga Remington 870 youth model.
I have 2 and bought a 3rd a few days ago but my 18 year old daughter is going to be getting that one soon.... but you said no pump actions.
I'd rather train whomever to use a pump than depend on a semi-auto shotgun. (yes, flame suit on).. but I put more trust on an 870 pump feeding anything than a semi-auto.
You had better test everything with different chokes, barrel lengths, shot size, shell length etc. With a pump it all just works if you do your part and it ain't that hard.
An 870 is a simple gun. A semiauto has seals and more complication to keep in working order..... just my opinion.

 

I may end up going that route.

 

I bought the Escort 20G Youth model semi-auto shotgun for my wife and have been VERY impressed with it. Her's is the black model though.

Another option in a full-sized semi is the ATI Combo I bought. It came with a 18.5" HD barrel as well as a hunting barrel with chokes. Cost was less then $400

 

do you have any experience with any auto shotties yet or are you completely new to them?

 

My only shotgun is a Savage and Stevens pump action 12 gauge that's so old, it doesn't even have a serial number.

 

Hands down Remington 1100 in 20ga. Best shotgun I have ever owned. Still using the one I got for Christmas 40 years ago. That old shotgun has killed more birds than the Avian Flu. Just keep it clean and oiled and it will never let you down. I have many other shotguns but when it comes time to hunt thats the one come with me, all the rest sit in the safe.

Forgot to say though prepare to dig way deep into your wallet.

 

Actually you can get them for about $400 if you're patient...I have 3 and am always on the lookout for another...Great for the wife and kids, but dad likes it too!

My wife loves hers, I cut down the stock, added a recoil pad and a cheek pad and she'll go skeet shooting whenever I ask now.

 

questions: budget? and is there a particular reason you disqualify 12s? they dont kick as hard as many people think they do

 

question: budget?

Yes because absent the Escort or ATI semis you are looking at $600+

 

The first gun my husband bought me was a youth gun, it sits in the closet and has never been fired. Actually, I was highly insulted though I knew he didn't do it intentionally so I never said anything. Do not pick out a youth weapon for a grown woman unless she picks it out.

I just picked up a sweet Remington 20 ga used at cabela's super cheap. I was there to buy shoes but never walk out without checking the used rack, I saw it and I pounced on it. I almost grabbed a European 16 ga (didn't check the brand but the tag said European something, Saw the price and looked no further) too but it was over my "OK to spend without talking to hubs" spending limit and he didn't hear his phone. It would have been more of a display piece anyway as it had the most gorgeous inlayed and carved stock.

I'm 5'1" with a slightly athletic build. A 12 ga is just too much for me, especially when loaded with a slug. I knew this before shopping as I've tried a 12,18, and a 20. I suppose I could get used to a 12, but the process of getting there would probably turn me off.

 

I got my wife the Youth model 20G because she is 4'10", 95lbs and 66 years old, not because I wanted to insult her.

Truth be told even that shotgun proved too much for her and she is now quite happy with her Mossberg Youth .410 pump shooting 000 buck.

 

I absolutely hated to shoot my maverick 88 (12ga). I figured I hated shotguns. Then I got a semi auto mossberg 930. The gun shoots like butter with very little recoil.

My point is you might not need a 20 gauge.

 

That Maverick has some kick with slugs in it.

 

A gas gun is going to be softer shooting and less ammo-centric then one of the inertia types.

 

I'm a beginner to firearms. Can you explain this in some educational language for me? :

 

My wife claims 4'11" but actually measures 4' 10 5/8ths".
The youth 870 fits her perfectly and she was not the slightest bit "insulted".
True, she's not much of a "shooter" but has a CC and actually shoots everything she has tried well. She is quite happy to sometimes find very nice new expensive clothing at the local kids clothing exchange that fits her. She got some new shoes a few days ago for 8 bucks that should have cost over $120. She's in that place often as we have 6 children that are constantly growing out of this and into that. I guess she is comfortable in her own frame and not insulted by "youth" labeled things. She also looks about 15-20 years younger than she actually is. People who don't know us sometimes think our 18 year old daughter is her sister.... it brings quite a smile and a laugh.

 

Yeah, I'm probably a bit testy tonight. Had a daddy coach rip my "stupid - blank woman umpire" rear because I balked his kid and his team lost out on a double play. It was a fiasco. Also, I was at cabela's Sunday looking for all black leather shoes to wear on the field, 12 stores and I found nothing but pink and purple mesh shoes. Not one pair of leather tennis shoes (any color) but I found tons in the men's sections (that are way too big, I have tiny feet) and was told more than once to check the little boys section. Uggggggh


I've been an avid shooter since I was a kid, my mom insisted we learn to shoot and shoot regularly even though we never had guns in the house. I'm not very knowledgeable about brands and types, but i can usually figure out whatever I'm handed. I really don't think my husband understood my history of shooting, so he was well meaning. My new shot gun is the 870 wingmaster, picked it up for less than $300. It's a pump but it's super smooth and I think nothing says hello to an intruder like the pumping of a shot gun.

 

heres the problem with auto shotties, most tend to have issues with lighter, softer loads which generally lead to short stroking.. shooting a "low recoil" load may be more prone to short stroking than pumping it and in most cases with a little training you can pump a pump shotgun almost as fast as you can fire a semi.. what i do with semi automatics is after i push the slide forward, i hold back pressure on the slide so that the moment i fire the tension i have holding it back almost instantly racks the pump back quickly and with enough force to ensure no short strokes

but if your concern is the ability to fire rapidly in a panic mode for home defense, this is an understandable reason for an auto.. thing is the best autos out there in my opinion only seem to be available in 12 gauge.. the benelli M4 is a very high quality auto and not just because it has some tacticool look but because its actually pretty reliable with a very wide range of loads, but the newer browning maxus may even be more reliable across a broader spectrum of loads, though it also seems to only be available in a 12

if you absolutely must have a multi-barrel automatic in 20, id say an older 11-87.. if you didnt have the multi barrel requirements id say a saiga shotgun.. and if you were willing to consider a 12 then id recommend the M4 or maxus for the reliability issues, also considering the fact they dont kick nearly as much as a pump shotgun does, the 12 gauge in an auto is quite manageable, especially with 2 3/4" loads you may use for home defense

 

When it comes to shotguns, I must plead ignorance. I'm specifically looking for a semi-auto shotgun for my wife and 14 y/o daughter. Readily available slug barrels and 18" home defense / riot barrels a must. Something simple to operate, and not all that complicated to strip and clean.

What would you recommend?

I snipped out the part where you said no pump actions.

IMHO, a 20 gauge youth model Remington 870 pump is what you didn't ask for, but it's what you want.

I bought one for my daughter.

She can handle that thing like a champ! She's already taken one deer with it. Inside a house, it would be devastating.

My .02

 

Mossberg 500C 20ga for youth and women. I have a long and 18in barrel. I use the 500C with the 18 inch barrel for my skeet gun. Of all my shotguns...it's my favorite. :thumb:

 

Well Drudge, lets look at some pros and cons.

Recoil depends on the load. A 1oz 12ga slug low recoil kicks less than a full power 1oz load. The 20ga uses a 3/4oz slug and at full power is less than the full power 12ga but more than the low recoil slug. Weight of the gun is a factor here as many 20ga's are smaller frames than 12's AND...don't forget the Mossberg/Mavericks are alloy with poly stocks. Another factor in recoil is fit of the gun. Length of the buttstock and drop of the comb. People who learn to be afraid of recoil can't tuck the gun in properly because its too long. They also don't put their cheek tightly to the stock. Either just makes recoil feel worse. Think youth model. Also, a nice recoil pad like kick-eze does wonders.

Why a shotgun and not a rifle in a caliber the ladies can control?

Teaching basic students how to use a pump shotgun AND an auto, when they aren't "proficient" the next time I saw them which was the following year or so, they struggled more with the auto than the pump. I understand your dilemma concerning manual of arms and my solution is to train more.

Likewise type of action. They should feel comfortable with the action. To me an 1100/11-87 recoils less than an 870. Benellis just suck (in recoil). Another issue is a recoil operation like a Benelli needs ammunition suited to whatever recoil spring is installed. If you're using reduced power loads the gun has to be set up that way and it's not exactly convenient to do. An 1100 just works. But there's a rubber ring at the gas port that needs occasional replacing. When it fails, the gun no workie. Maintenance issue.

Another option for you would be a double; Stoeger makes doubles that are geared for the defense market with parkerized finishes and picatinny rails. The auto safety might be a training issue. I wouldn't suggest a hammered double as these are getting to be uncommon. You always know what their status is BUT....would you want your ladies trying to decock a loaded shotgun? (Solution is open the action THEN lower the hammers but remember what I said about training...people forget.

 

The Tristar Viper comes with both a youth and adult stock. May be a good option if you are working with varying age levels.

If everyone is old enough and has long enough arms for an adult stock, I'd recommend the Mossberg home and field combo. It comes with an 18.5" home defense barrel and pistol grip as well as a 28" barrel and hunting stock. Its a great versatile shotgun and extremely easy to shoot and maintain.

 

My wife is 4ft 10 also and use to weigh 90 lbs:
She tried out the 20 ga Mossberg I have here but prefers one of her revolvers.

 

Remington 11-87 Youth.

The stock is short to fit women or youths, has a 21" inch barrel, screw in chokes, can add a extended tube magazine, light recoil as all shotguns in the 1100 series and self adjusting gas system for reliable cycling.

 

I've had a cz720 for a few years now and it's never let me down. I've fired everything from low brass no.7 to turkey rounds in it. CZ makes good products and this shotgun is no exception.
You can get them for under $500.


http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/97602/cz-usa_cz720_g2_20g_26_mc3

 

Weatherby Sa-20

Take a look at Weatherby SA-20. Comes with two pistons, one for heavy loads, one for lite loads. Full size stock readily available for short money. Barrel is 22 inches with changeable chokes. Can be bought for around 500.

 

Before you decide and buy find out if they offer interchangeable barrels and the price.
You do not want to pay the price of a second barrel for a Benelli take me word for it.

 

If you want simple, reliable, no pump action, I would say a Stoeger Double barrel Coach Gun.
about $450 new in the stores, but like new used ones can be found for $250.

But truthfully, I might actually put a cheap single barrel in their hands to train and teach, and then step them up to the 870 pump.

 

If you want simple, reliable, no pump action, I would say a Stoeger Double barrel Coach Gun.
about $450 new in the stores, but like new used ones can be found for $250.

Look at a Stoeger Condor youth over & under, I have one & really like it. I'm 68 &
5'6", we use it around the ranch for a snake gun & personal protection with buckshot.

 

I understand your choice of the 20 ga. However I had a 410 pump that I had gotten from a friend. I let my wife shoot it and she liked it. Very little felt recoil and light enough for her to carry if need be. Don't laugh, there are lots of Taurus Judges and Smith juries, and bond 410/45's out their and a 410 will do the job. or those guns would not be out there. This one happens to be a Mossberg and it works fine. I have a belief that you are not going to be shooting at more than 30-50 yrds. max. more than likely 10-15 yrds. or even less, in the house across the room down the hall, perp. coming into the bedroom. You can get slugs, buckshot, fine shot (#6's). It will do the job and they won't wake up the whole neighbor hood and deafen themselves. Ours holds 6 or 7 rounds if that ain't enough somethings wrong. The slugs will bring down a deer. you have a choice of 21/2" or 3" shells. What I did was to cut the bbl. to 19" and the butt stock to her measurements. Remove the plug in the tubular mag., and we were in business. I have thought of putting a laser on it, might someday. In the end it is something she can handle and not be afraid of, and that's what is important.

 

If you have a youth model Rem 870 you can contact Remington you can buy a full sized plain-jane stock fairly cheap. I bought on a few years ago and it only cost me $48.

 

Browning 20gage. Ejects through the bottom so it is ambidextrous and you can change barrels easily. Best darn 20 gage on the market IMHO.

 

I'm 68 yo, 5'3, 140 lbs female and highly recommend Bennelli M-2 20 ga semi-automatic with the shock-arrester in the stock (pricy but well worth it) and 410 Snakecharmer (very affordable). Both use shot and slugs. Very easy to use and hardly any recoil.

 

First off, each person needs their own gun. Shotguns have to fit people just like your handgun. I have my guns my husband has his. There's 11 inches difference between us. His length of pull is 15 1/2 inches & my LOP is 12 inches. I don't shoot his guns, and he doesn't shoot mine, because neither one fits the other one. We both got our shotguns fitted by an expert. I Once shot a 12 gauge with a combat grip. Never again. Quite frankly. I'll stick with my 9 mm for my self defense in my house.