Youth/compact 12Ga

crasheralex

crasheralex

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Cambridge, On
Hey everyone. I'm looking for a small 12Ga for my wife. She's got a small build, about 5'4". Plan to use it mostly for waterfowl and small game. Looking for either a pump or semi. A regular size 12Ga is just to big for her to handle. Any opinions and where to buy would be helpful. TIA.
 
A gas operated semi auto will produce significantly less felt recoil, which can be a good thing for newer shooters. Lighter guns also produce more felt recoil, which is something to consider.
 
My wife just started shooting and I had her try a SxS, over/under, pump and semi all in 20g. Although I thought she would prefer an over/under, her hands down preference was a semi. I found a 20g Browning Gold SL on the EE and she likes it. (and so do I - LOL)
 
stubblejumper said:
Then your best option might be a 20 gauge, as the smaller frame is lighter. The 20 gauge Silver Micro comes with 24 and 26 inch barrels.
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I agree with this....... there is nothing listed in the original post that suggests you should shy away from 20 gauge, except your original assertion that you were little point for a 12 gauge.....

As for semis, everyone is different...... is by away from them for new shooters because excitement can equal a second trigger pull and I prefer new shooters that I train take time to think and become instinctive between shots... but that is just one opinion....
 
Thanks for everyone's input. I'm probably going to pick her up a browning bps micro Midas. Small stock and a 24 inch barrel should be good enough for her to handle. Found one for $699 at lake Huron rod and gun.
 
My wife just purchased the Winchester SXP Compact in 20 guage. My wife is 5'1" of all the guns this was the only one that fit her comfortably. We went on a gun shop tour and tested many that day. even the SX3 didn't feel good to her. My recommendation is take a tour and go check out a gun store. We went Sail in Cambridge, Ontario the staff there treated her great. Gave her many option and great customer service in comparison to another local gun store who tried to put her in a poor fitting gun just to make the sale.
 
Winchester makes a few youth models in 12 gauge that hang under/around $1000. If you don't mind the 20 gauges and don't want to spend a lot of money, Tradeex has Armsans which you can find in more brand name of mossberg and weatherby and there are Tristars as well that come in a variety of shapes and colours. There are reduced fit berettas around but they are rare. Browning does make youth fit guns as well. If you want to break the bank, there is the Syren line by I think Fabarm.

I am currently building a wingmaster with a short barrel and adjustable stock for my fiance to get her into trap and hopefully eventually skeet and sporting.

As others have said, it has to get her excited and she has to like it. I tried several smaller and lighter full size 12 and 20 gauges and she said they were too front heavy, even when the LOP was reduced to 13.5" (I added an adjustable butt plate as I prefer a shorter LOP myself) on my beretta 391. Just take her to try some, you may be surprised what she likes. I had to talk her out of a stoegar competition at a local shop, it was not in the best shape.
 
jjj99 said:
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I am currently building a wingmaster with a short barrel and adjustable stock for my fiance to get her into trap and hopefully eventually skeet and sporting.....
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Curious jj99, what length 870 barrel are you going with for your niece ? Guessing 21" ribbed ?
 
My wife shoots a 12 gauge without issue. Shotgun fit is the most important thing. You have to try on lots of guns to see what fits the best.

For my wife, the best fitting shotgun, is the one that costs the most..... lol

She shoots my Citori very well.
 
madashell said:
Curious jj99, what length 870 barrel are you going with for your niece ? Guessing 21" ribbed ?
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Fiancee, and I have a 21", and 26" barrels for a remington 870 and a wingmaster that is my dad's. I've bought him an 1187 with chokes and a left handed 1100 with 30 inch full choke and 26 inch skeet barrel. I am betting he will let me borrow the 870 once i get the adjustable stock I've been waiting on.
 
After having made a big mistake in the past with my wife's first shotgun we bought her one that looked good but was the wrong size for her. You need to have her pick up the gun and shoulder it. Many manufacturers make youth guns but they do not shoulder the same as others. Not all are built equal even in the a same manufacturer. Winchester SXP Compact and the SX3 Compact shouldered different to my wife. The SX3 did not a fit her like the SXP. The Remington 870 Compact she had a difficult thlime with the action. Browning Compact physically just didn't a fit at all. You may find the cheaper one fits or end up being the more expensive model but at least you know.
Since finding a gun that fits my wife she can shoot longer and finds it more enjoyable.

Remember the purchase of the gun is not for you it's for her. She needs one that fits not what is good for you.

My recommendation is to get her to a store and pick some up. Find one that fits and then shop for best price whether new or used. Get her involved in the purchase so it's an enjoyable experience for long term.
 
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