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?

 

[Falconflyer]

Of the two guns you mention I'd recommend staying away from the Beretta, these guns are old and hard to get parts for. The Milano is a bit more modern and pretty good guns for the money.
My wife started shooting with a semi auto many years ago and didn't like the complexity of the bolt mechanism and the fact that there was the occasional jam and soon switched to an over and under. The simplicity and reliability appealed to her and she has shot the same 682 Gold E for many years now.
It's important for anyone trying to decided on a first gun to get out and shoot a bunch of different ones before purchasing. It's also important that your wife gets to choose the gun, if you choose it and it's not perfect in her mind she will resent the gun and you!