Recommendation for Wife's 1st Shotty

[scaleguy]

Good morning Folks!

I have things narrowed down for the wife. She wants to come out and try her hand at sporting clays. No interest in hunting. I go back and fourth on an auto loader, gas gun (SX3 or Browning Silver... something soft shooting), and the over under. I myself am a huge 20g lover, and currently own sx3, caesar Woodlander in that guage, but they are set up too long for her.

I found a Beretta s56e, and a Savage Milano which are sub 2k, and wouldnt feel too bad about shortening up. It's a big contrast between the two guns. Fixed IC/M on the beretta, while the Milano comes with chokes, they're only 3, and the aftermarket tubes would cost a good chunk to buy a full set.

So, what's the consensus, and what's your experiences trying to set your wife up for a successful introduction to the enjoyment of bustin' clays? The money isnt that big of a deal, but a part of me thinks i should take the shims out of my sx3 and see how she does with a 14" LOP. I think she may be closer to 13 1/2". I dont want her to hate the experience due to poor fitting boom stick.

 

[kevin g]

My .02 cents worth this morning scaleguy.....

If you / she is considering a 12 gauge, if you can, get her to try and have a look at the Fabarm Elos N2 Sporting " Syren " model !! Comes in 30 and 32 in lengths...((maybe even 28 inch not100% on that one)
Shorter reach in the grip area, shorter LOP..made specifically for youth, women AND men with barrel chests (ask me how I know) LOL
Adjustable comb, 4 extended chokes and a take down hard case (purple)
I've never had a gun fit me sooo well right out of the box ! I had to shorten the stocks on both of my sporting guns...my Citori 625, and 425 both !
I think she'll be very pleasantly surprised with this shotty !!

 

[stubblejumper]

I would go with the SX-3/4 compact, or a Silver Micro with reduced length of pull.

 

[canvasback]

I would aim for a quick handling, not too heavy semi auto.

She will appreciate ease of handling combined with soft shooting. Keep the ammo soft as well.

I would NOT get her a specialized clays gun that appeals to you.

 

[saskbooknut]

Create opportunities for her to try different guns. Get her to choose her preference.

 

[scaleguy]

ok, a few votes for the semi. I'm a bit surprised... but thats where I get torn! Thanks for the votes friends!!

 

[Hissatsu]

I love my semi for sporting! Like others have said have her try some and see what fits. Fit is most important.

 

[sillymike]

I would NOT get her a specialized clays gun that appeals to you.

Get her involved in the process... And get something she likes.
- Also get her to pick a shooting vest to her liking.

Or better yet: Any other women shooters at the club?

 

[guntech]

If you are married you are too old to use the term "shotty".
A semi is what I would recommend... but as previously mentioned get her involved in the choice.

 

[Smokinyotes]

My daughter is almost 30 and pretty small, only 5’1. She loves shooting clays. She has shot my citori 12 ga a fair bit, her husbands semi 12 gauge Benelli, my 1301T. She decided she wanted an o/u 20 gauge like her moms. So that’s what she got for her 30th birthday.

 

[EXCRider]

+1 on the Syren.

 

[Kalen P]

Have you looked at the Beretta A400 series? I'm not sure of a softer shooting 12ga. Great looking, with the Beretta quality. The Benelli M2 and the likes are a very good option as well.

 

[scaleguy]

My daughter is almost 30 and pretty small, only 5’1. She loves shooting clays. She has shot my citori 12 ga a fair bit, her husbands semi 12 gauge Benelli, my 1301T. She decided she wanted an o/u 20 gauge like her moms. So that’s what she got for her 30th birthday.

That's an experience im curious about. What was it that drew her to the o/u?