My wife is probably average size and strength for a woman. She shoots a 20 ga Stoeger Condor and loves it. Being a break action it is really compact compared to a pump or a semi. I'd say at least four inches shorter for a given barrel length, which makes a lot of difference to her for handling it in the field.
Shot Gun for My Petite Wife
- Thread starter Iron Glove
- Start date
I started my wife with a H&R Youth Model 20. She is 4 foot thirteen. After two rounds she sat in the truck and cried. Even with the short LOP and light target loads it was to much gun for a first timer. It took me several years to get her back interested in shooting. Because of her size even with a short stock she found pump and semi guns to long to handle. I managed to coach her back into shooting with a 410 sxs. It doesn't seem like much but the extra 3 inches of the receiver made a huge difference for her. Now she has an 0/u 28 as well. I can't recommend the 28 for waterfowl but I would advise that you take her to the store and let her pick a gun that she likes, one that she finds easy to point and to carry.
The 20 gauge may or may not be a better choce over the 28 gauge.If the person shooting is sensitive to recoil ,many times they will shoot better with the 28 gauge than the 20 gauge and in so doing shoot more game.Even shooting waterfowl a non flinching shot from a 28 gauge will in most cases bring down more ducks than a flinching shot from a 20 gauge. Have seen many young or light weight shooters go away with badly brusied shoulders after shooting 20 gauge shotguns.
Bismuth 28 gauge loads are available in Canada.A few years ago I purchased some.
Glad to hear that you are a fan of the 28 gauge.I still have the first one I ever owned.Got it for Christmas in 1967.A Winchester Cooey Model 84.Took it out last year for a few rabbit hunts.Still shoots rabbits like it did years ago.
Also happy to be having this discussion.It is what a forum is for, the exchange of ideas .
I've seen more young or light shooters go away with badly bruised shoulders because of a poorly fitting gun, bad technique, poor stance and improper gun hold. If the fundamentals are right then I think a young or small person can handle the 20 gauge if started with light loads. I've used both gauges to teach and while the 28 gauge has an edge in instruction once the fundamentals are in place then women usually don't have a problem with any gauge provided the gun fits.Have seen many young or light weight shooters go away with badly brusied shoulders after shooting 20 gauge shotguns.
Bismuth 28 gauge loads are available in Canada. A few years ago I purchased some.
I'd appreciate any help you can give me regarding Bismuth 28 gauge loads however. Any idea where I can get some today? I have never seen them in Canada.
Good morning,Claybuster.We have both stated our opinion on this subject and given our reasons for our opinion.I doubt either one of us will change our minds on our opinion.We have both given opinions of what we honestly believe to be good choices in this case. This is what I belive the original poster wanted, opinions.We have stated our opinions,some have agree with us while others have not.We have both in my opinion provided good opitions and the reasons for them.It is up tp the original poster to decide what is best for them.
The Bismuth 28 gauge shells, I purchased from one of the mail order places.If I remember it correctly ,SIR.Have from time to time seen some available at gunshows.
Here of late I have obtained some Bismuth shot and have been handloading number 5 shot for ducks.
The best to you.
The Bismuth 28 gauge shells, I purchased from one of the mail order places.If I remember it correctly ,SIR.Have from time to time seen some available at gunshows.
Here of late I have obtained some Bismuth shot and have been handloading number 5 shot for ducks.
The best to you.
Find her an old Cooey 840 single shot 20Ga. Bought one for my girlfriend who is 5'2" and 110lbs. She loves it. Although she did shoot the new Beretta extrema in 12 Ga and said it kicked less that my 12Ga. Or you could check out a youth Rem 870. Short stock, and you can get them in 20Ga.
