Shotgun for Women

I use a youth 20 gauge, too, but would like to have something with a little more power. I wish there was a place you could take a gun for a "test drive" before purchasing.

In visiting with one of the guys at Scheels he said more gun companies are looking at developing shotguns just for women.  He also mentioned that there are some 12 gauge youth sizes.  I've looked around for some recently and Remington makes a 12 gauge - model 870 but the barrel length is 26".  Mossberg also makes a 12 gauge - model 500 that comes with a 12 gauge option and a barrel length of 24"... 

I think your idea is awesome about trying out guns.  Holding them and looking at the ceiling just doesn't cut it.  Actually getting to try out the model would be huge.

I went to a DU Fun Shoot in Bismarck this past weekend and decided I am in serious need of a new shotgun, so I started asking around. My brother got me in touch with a guy who shoots a lot of clays, skeet and trap, and just knows his guns. He gave me some good advice on the different options I was thinking about. Thought I'd share them with everyone else in case it helped answer any questions they had, too. Watching others shoot sporting clays kind of got me thinking about maybe going for an over-under, or at the very least, a semi-auto. Here's what he had to say:

"A good Over-Under is a great choice and very durable,however you will get more felt recoil because there is nothing built in the gun to soften the blow,BUT some modifying can be done,like have the gun fitted and also have the gunsmith add a recoil reducer,mercury (9oz) and a "gel recoil' pad are very helpful and worth the investment,also the O/U is tough as nails,you can drop it,drag it thru mud and she'll always fire,take a look at the Browning Sporting Edition,comes with a 3" chamber and wood fore end and stock, Browning has a another newer model in synthetic but can't remember the name? also worth considering. Keep away from Beretta O/U's they all have trigger issues, however the  Beretta semi auto is a sweet shotgun for 1/2 the price of the O/U and very soft shooting, no mods need for recoil, just some fitting. PS Beretta also has a junior model for smaller folks, look at model 3901 or a like model 391. Don't be afraid to get a longer barrel either, most weekend warrior's will tell ya to go short, fact is a longer barrel gives you better balance and a smoother swing.

Thanks for the information! 

I did a little shotgun shopping this past weekend and in visiting with the manager at the Minot Scheels he also suggested purchasing a 12 gauge and using a lighter load shot.  Another suggestion he had was to purchase the 12 gauge regular size (not youth or compact) and have it cut down at a gun shop.  However I'm not sure if I am excited about having one cut down.  I'd rather just purchase one that fits from the beginning.  He also talked about the gel pad and said they were worthwhile.

I'm still trying to decide what I'm going to get but all this information helps in making a decision!

I just bought a Benelli Ultralight 12 gauge a few months ago and I absolutely LOVE it!  At first I was a little leery. Since it was only a five pound gun, I knew it would probably have a little kick to it, and well, with the 3 inch heavy loads, she packed a punch. The light target loads, however, were manageable. I could get a round of sporting clays in (50-60 shells usually) so I kept it. I recently met with a fitter and he cut about an inch off and got a Limbsaver put on. Now you can't even tell the difference between my gun and a 20 gauge Beretta my friend shoots.

I would definitely recommend it for anyone who is looking for a lighter gun to carry for long walks in the field. Heck, it works just fine for clays, too. We'll see how it goes for waterfowl season, but confidence goes a long way.

If anyone is in Bismarck and would like to go out and shoot a couple shells through it, I'd be happy to oblige. I know what a pain it is to try and find a gun when you don't know if you'll actually like something when you shoot it. My cousin also just bought a Winchester Over-under 12 gauge and I bet she'd be open to letting anyone "sample" hers too. Just shoot me a PM. If all else fails, Scheels does have a policy where you can return a gun within 30 days if you don't like it.

Thanks for the insight!  I am still trying to decide what to get but I told my husband I better go and get one ASAP.  :)