Recommendations for a Lady?

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Lady tehMa

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Good morning, all.

I am a newbie. Rank beginner in trap. I have been out to a range twice now and I'm quite liking it. I am currently borrowing a shotgun belonging to my instructor's daughter, which is lovely but I can't do that forever. He often uses it to entice more women into the sport "Come on out and give it a try!" and I'd not stand in the way of that.

To that end, I am currently searching for a (preferably used) shotgun. But I have no actual understanding of what I'm looking for. Right now I find something online, send it to my instructor and husband (he's new to the sport as well, we're taking it up together) and they discuss it. While I'm good at research, it's hard to research something I know nothing about. I don't know that skeet is something I will look into (though I should probably keep an open mind) and I am definitely not a hunter.

What should I be looking for? The one I am using is a single-shot break action - and I can't remember the make or model >_<

Husband is looking too - he's borrowing his dad's shotgun which is apparently a proper trap gun (as I understand it, his grandfather used to compete).

We're in BC and hoping not to break the bank on starting up.

So, can you make some suggestions for me on what shotguns I should keep an eye out for? And where to look? I appreciate any and all help. (I have applied to the equipment exchange but will probably mainly look at ones that are close enough for us to check out in person - if I should happen to be accepted).
 
You need to learn about shotgun fit, or go where someone is educated on shotgun fit. A shotgun that doesn't fit you , is good for making noise, and not much else.
 
first decide if you are shooting singles or doubles.

i agree with stubblejumper, get a gun that fits your shooting needs.

Where in BC are you? If you are close you can try mine? I have a semi auto and a over under (both with adjustable combs and a lot of choke options for both) and a field pump.
 
My instructor has mentioned it and mentioned seeing a gunsmith he knows. This is a chicken and egg thing in my head - how do I get the right fit if I don't have a gun to fit to? How do I get a gun without knowing how to fit?
 
Well - 20 gage is popular among ladies due to its lower recoil. A 20 gage pump gun with removeable chokes would be an inexpensive all purpose gun. To boot, many 20 gages are built on a smaller frame and weigh less than the 12 gage equivalent. The standard models available are the Remington Express, Mossberg 500, Winchester SXP, Benelli Nova, etc.
 
Try as many guns at the Trap range as you can.
People are often very generous about letting you try their gun.
The gun that you are currently borrowing will tell you something about what works for you or doesn't work.
A second hand gun that comes close to your needs can be altered to fit better.
You need to have an idea whether you prefer a semi-auto or over/under, and understand the issues with them for you in terms of fit.
 
Unfortunately you are a bit between a rock and a hard place. Most men can go to a trap or skeet range and try a variety of guns to see which one fits/feels right to them. Being a woman, going and finding guns fit to a woman might be a lot harder. Trying out guns with larger dimensions will not be of much benefit to you.
On the plus side, there are now many manufacturers who are making guns with smaller dimensions aimed at the ladies market. Guerini, Fabarm, and Beretta all make pretty nice guns but they'll be pricey and hard to find/try.
If you know a gunsmith who knows how to get a gun to fit properly, then maybe picking something common and having it fit to you might be a way to find something that you will enjoy shooting.
If you could ever get to a big shoot in the US, you'd probably be able to try a few out and end up knowing exactly what you want. That sounds expensive, but I know a lot of people who have spent a whole lot of money buying guns in search of "the one". They would have saved in the long run and had a vacation to with it (that of course pre-supposes that Covid goes away already !!!).
 
Fireguy0991 said:
first decide if you are shooting singles or doubles.

i agree with stubblejumper, get a gun that fits your shooting needs.

Where in BC are you? If you are close you can try mine? I have a semi auto and a over under (both with adjustable combs and a lot of choke options for both) and a field pump.
Click to expand...

I'm in the Okanagan valley - so far I have shot in Spallumcheen (North Okanagan) and up near Big White.

What should I reasonably expect to pay for a starter shotgun? I realize an exact quote would not be possible, but do you think it would be possible for me to find something for under $500?
 
BJP said:
Unfortunately you are a bit between a rock and a hard place. Most men can go to a trap or skeet range and try a variety of guns to see which one fits/feels right to them. Being a woman, going and finding guns fit to a woman might be a lot harder. Trying out guns with larger dimensions will not be of much benefit to you.
On the plus side, there are now many manufacturers who are making guns with smaller dimensions aimed at the ladies market. Guerini, Fabarm, and Beretta all make pretty nice guns but they'll be pricey and hard to find/try.
If you know a gunsmith who knows how to get a gun to fit properly, then maybe picking something common and having it fit to you might be a way to find something that you will enjoy shooting.
If you could ever get to a big shoot in the US, you'd probably be able to try a few out and end up knowing exactly what you want. That sounds expensive, but I know a lot of people who have spent a whole lot of money buying guns in search of "the one". They would have saved in the long run and had a vacation to with it (that of course pre-supposes that Covid goes away already !!!).
Click to expand...

Thank you!

There aren't a lot of ladies shooting here that I've heard of - 3 so far that I know of and none I've been able to meet on the range. I'm not tiny at 5'6", but so far men's shotguns do make me reach :/

I do appreciate everyone who is weighing in on this, thank you :D
 
cosmic said:
Well - 20 gage is popular among ladies due to its lower recoil. A 20 gage pump gun with removeable chokes would be an inexpensive all purpose gun. To boot, many 20 gages are built on a smaller frame and weigh less than the 12 gage equivalent. The standard models available are the Remington Express, Mossberg 500, Winchester SXP, Benelli Nova, etc.
Click to expand...

Thank you :D

I'm not terribly concerned with recoil - I started out as a teen shooting black powder. My first day shooting a .54 left me black and blue from elbow to shoulder, then I shot a .45 and my final rifle was a .36 (which I no longer have, bad decisions as a young adult, should have kept it!). However, I'm not that young anymore (entered my 50's) so I imagine something lighter would make it easier for going all day.
 
Do you just want to have fun? If your having fun with the single shot, there are lot's of nice used guns around and you can shorten the stock to suit your needs.

If you want to buy a new single shot 12G with chokes, the Huglu's are nice for around $300.00

https://store.prophetriver.com/categories/Shotguns/Huglu/Single-Shot/

They come in blued receiver, silver and my favorite color case hardened..... like this one,

https://store.prophetriver.com/huglu-301a-12ga-3-28-wd-bl-case-colored-receiver-modified-choke/
 
With a common gun like an 1100 or 870, it's easy enough to buy another buttstock and have it cut to fit you. Add an adjustable comb and/or buttplate and you should be able to get a gun that fits and works for you.
 
I picked up a Browning BPS 20 gauge so that my wife and kids could use it too. I choose 20 gauge for their comfort and BPS because it is truly ambidextrous and we are different handed.
 
A Huglu single shot is not a Trap gun. A Browning BT-99 is a serious Trap gun, but limiting, in that it's single shot..
If you are going to shoot Doubles or Skeet, you need a Double gun or a repeater.
There are Youth and Ladies model guns with shorter butt length, but often not enough drop for women to shoot comfortably.
Spend time looking and asking questions to home in on your own preferences. Weigh what people say, but ultimately you should follow your own choice.
The actual cost of a modest gun pales into insignificance, compared to the cost of ammo if you shoot clay targets seriously.
Don't be tempted by cheap guns that have mixed or uncertain reviews.
A good gun from a premier maker can last a lifetime.
 
Most women are slighter of frame and weight. Agree with a 20ga, but try measuring length of pull on your borrowed shotgun(s). Its the easiest to alter, if its a wood stock. Dont be afraid to buy used, and a quality brand. Should it not work out, most, if not all of your money can be recovered.

Thinking 20ga Browning O/U micro. Might be above what you are willing to spend.
 
saskbooknut said:
A Huglu single shot is not a Trap gun. A Browning BT-99 is a serious Trap gun, but limiting, in that it's single shot..
If you are going to shoot Doubles or Skeet, you need a Double gun or a repeater.
There are Youth and Ladies model guns with shorter butt length, but often not enough drop for women to shoot comfortably.
Spend time looking and asking questions to home in on your own preferences. Weigh what people say, but ultimately you should follow your own choice.
The actual cost of a modest gun pales into insignificance, compared to the cost of ammo if you shoot clay targets seriously.
Don't be tempted by cheap guns that have mixed or uncertain reviews.
A good gun from a premier maker can last a lifetime.
Click to expand...

You have a good point about buying a quality gun, Huglu makes some nice double guns as well but they are closer to a grand for field grade, and 1500-2000 for their O/U Trap models with adjustable stocks and fancy walnut.



I've only shot trap for fun and I've used a few different guns, I like break action's for their simplicity but port loading an 870 wingmaster worked as well.

I guess it depends on how serious she is now, and how much she wants to spend. I would imagine that most serious trap shooters end up going through a few different guns till they find "the one" or three... :)

Edit, Looks like Prophet has some of the Huglu Trap O/U on sale for $1000.00

https://store.prophetriver.com/hugl...ic-front-sight-sku-8682109402798-s-n-14p8760/
 
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I can understand the tentative budget limit of $500 for a gun specifically for you and you can find a wide assortment of good quality guns, mostly used but also some new if you keep your eye open. The problem is that it will be hard to find a trap gun within your budget and one stocked for a woman at this price will almost certainly be nearly impossible to find. Suggestion-
As already mentioned, shoot at various clubs and don't be shy about asking to try other shooter's guns, even just to dry fire, or better yet to shoot a round ( or even less). Shooters are friendly and helpful, most will be happy to assist. Guns that have been fitted for a woman shooter will probably work best but some others may feel pretty good too. Felt recoil is noticably less with a good fitting gun and a heavy awkward gun will accentuate fatigue.
Weight and balance are big factors for a woman shooter, i would suggest a 12 gauge gun weight of 7-71/2 pounds, 8 pounds max. 28-30" barrel for a break open gun, 26-28" for a pump or auto to keep the balance neutral and between the hands. A heavy 8 1/2 or 9 pound weight forward trap gun favoured by many experienced men shooters will be too much for a beginning woman.
Size of the grip and forend areas is sometimes overlooked. In general, women have smaller hands and shorter fingers, they need a smaller grip and closer trigger position.
The best gun for you will be a new ladie's model of several makes but at thousands of dollars are not in the budget. Next best would be a used ladie's trap gun and if you ask at enough clubs and put up 'want to buy' notices at these clubs you will probably find one, maybe within your budget. Remember, if you shoot right handed, don't get a left handed gun and vise versa. Third choice, and still satisfactory for a new trap shooter would be a used smaller slimmer field gun such as a Beretta over under or Remington, Winchester, etc autoloader or pump and have the stock modified a little for fit. You can have fun with a stock field gun but your progress will be much quicker, more comfortable and more satisfying the better the gun fits.
Don't worry about recoil. If the gun fits reasonably well this shouldn't be a problem and use the softest recoiling ammo available, one ounce or less of shot. Your first gun doesn't need to be your last. You may find that as your skill improves and you gain experience your present gun is just a stepping stone. Happy Birthday!
You are in the Okanagan, look up Lisa Salt. She is one of the best trap shooters in your area and I'm sure she would be happy to help.she is a well known realtor in Vernon. She may also have contact with Peggy Bare in Kelowna? who maybe can find you a ladie's gun. Good luck, have fun.
 
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Lisa could shoot a shotgun upside down better then most people with a well fit gun shooting normally.
 
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