[PaulKersey]

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:

 

[Rockwell Torrey]

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.

For the time being, I'm disqualifying pump actions, to reduce the prospect of short-stroking. Want a system they can become familiar with for bird hunting, but have alternates with the same manual of arms for home defense with slug barrels or shorter, unchoked barrels.

What would you recommend?

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.

 

[skilescm]

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.

 

[roseman]

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.

 

[240Geezer]

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.

 

[clance]

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.

For the time being, I'm disqualifying pump actions, to reduce the prospect of short-stroking. Want a system they can become familiar with for bird hunting, but have alternates with the same manual of arms for home defense with slug barrels or shorter, unchoked barrels.

What would you recommend?

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.

 

[Kevin in NC]

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

 

[mikenh]

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.

 

[drodent]

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.

 

[Mark S]

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.

 

[dsk65]

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.

 

[RedRocker]

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.

 

[milray]

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.

 

[JiminMaine]

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.

 

[iguide]

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

 

[Mesquite]

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.

 

[Justsumstuff]

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.

 

[plummobile]

I have a Model 88 Mossberg 12 ga and I find it's perfect. I'm female and 63.

 

[salemsam]

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.

Second the 930 - I picked a 930SPX - will shoot light loads without any problems and as they get more comfortable, you will have the option of going up to a heavier load.

Plus, practice with light loads and keep it loaded with #1 buck - under stress the extra recoil would not even be noticed

 

[xaunloc]

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.

For the time being, I'm disqualifying pump actions, to reduce the prospect of short-stroking. Want a system they can become familiar with for bird hunting, but have alternates with the same manual of arms for home defense with slug barrels or shorter, unchoked barrels.

What would you recommend?

I'd recommend going back to the beginning and starting over.

It is interesting to note that you say you are not familiar with shotguns, but you have decided that your wife and daughter should use a shotgun for their defense and have decided what kind of shotgun they can learn to use (even though you don't know anything about using one).

You are condescending in assuming that your wife and daughter would not be able to handle a 12ga shotgun. But then again, if you keep telling the little women that they can't handle a real gun they will probably believe you and your idea will come true.

There are plenty of top quality reduced recoil 12ga buckshot and slug rounds available from most of the major manufacturers -- but your wife and daughter may surprise the hell out of you and be perfectly happy with full strength or even magnum loads. My daughter started shooting with an 1911 in 45ACP as a teenager, but her favorite gun to shoot is my Mossberg 590. She will happily run 8 full power rounds through it in under six seconds, then reload and do it again.

Unless your wife and daughter are physically handicapped, the possibility of short stroking is just a matter of training and practice.

If you really want an autoloader that was designed from the start to be meant for illiterate dummies, go with the Mossberg 930, which is similar to the 9400 that was originally designed for foreign military export sales (but the 930 is only available in 12ga).

If you have your heart set on 20ga, go with the Mossberg SA-20 http://www.mossberg.com/category/series/sa-20/
Any autoloader is more complex than any pump, but I'm sure if you show them how very slowly using small words they will eventually grasp the idea.