[BattleRifleG3]

So far I can think of Browning, Winchester, Mossberg, Remington, Charles Daly, Benelli (Nova) and Hatsan/Escort/Legacy.

Any others? Looking into a basic all around shotgun for a lady. Particularly home defense and plinking, but possibly including forest bird hunting as well (grouse, pheasant, turkey, etc).

She leans towards the thumb safeties. That may not be her final answer, but if it's a crappy trigger guard safety then that's no good.

I of course have a few opinions. I think 20ga guns made of 12ga frames are cheesy attempts to save money, especially with 12ga tubes. Of course I'm not 100% sure which ones are made that way, but the Winchester 1300 is right out. On the flip side, if it means furniture accessories will interchange, that may be another matter, as she may prefer a p-grip buttstock (not a p-grip only). The Escort and 1300 come to mind for that.

One I've been looking at is the Charles Daly, which I've found very affordable and attractively designed. Note that I'm talking about pumps only here. Wondering if they have dual action bars and whether they have a firm lifter like Mossberg or one like Remington? Have looked at the Hatsan Escort in person and have a spot for it in my heart, though its handguard seems best suited for shorter barrels, which is ok in this case.

Of course the Mossberg 500 is a good choice. And Remington 870, though I miss my Mossbergs more than I like my 870.

 

[deadapair]

Get a late model Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight and don't look back.

 

[dpike]

I can only comment on the Nova. My wife shoots a 20ga Nova and loves it. She shoots maybe twice a month and she's tall (6'). I enjoy shooting it when we take it out (feels light compared to my shotguns). We haven't had a problem with it. The only thing I'd add is that the recoil doesn't seem to be that much less than my 12ga's. I don't know if it's the reduced weight of the gun compared to the others I'm used to shooting or if I'm just not very sensitive to recoil so they all feel the same to me.

I think the important thing is getting her to shoot and liking it. Then go from there as she starts to decide what she likes and doesn't like. Just my opinion.

DP

 

[biblethumpncop]

Remington and Mossberg make a youth model 20 gauge that may fit your bill. Both have shorter, vent rib barrels with interchangable choke tubes. You can always buy a full size stock if you decide to take it out bird hunting.

I think they run in the high $200's to low $300's in price. I had one of the Mossberg's for my wife a number of years ago. I think the barrel was ported, but I'm not positive. It had the thumb safety. I think they called it the Batam.

Good luck.

 

[ron73644]

I think the Mossberg 500 will fill the bill. It offers more for the money. It is a quality gun and it is priced right. Also, the safety is in the right place. I bought a 12 gauge, and the fit and finish was superb-------the best buy.

 

[chips]

my first shotgun was a remington 870 express 20 gauge. it did great for me. when choosing a shotgun from one of the big name manufacturers, you really can't go wrong. it's all a matter of what you like best.

personally, i'm partial to 870's and 500's.

 

[Equismith]

Well, I'm a BPS guy. Browning makes a fine pump and makes a nice 20ga for smaller framed folks. Available in 22" up to 28" VR bbls. Steel receivers and bottom eject close dropping of hulls if you reload.

Well worth the $ they run.

 

[duxdog1]

I'm with Equismith, the BPS is a fine gun.

http://www.browning.com/products/catalo ... ype_id=225

And not all that expensive:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=2685079

That said, I like my 870's better than my BPS. Any of the choices posted above would serve her well.

 

[APEXDUCK]

Another vote for the BPS. I have one I bought for my wife several years ago :wink: and she loves it. She has shot ducks and quail with it and it fits me well to. It is the only shotgun i own with a straight stock and it handles great. Functions great , looks great and offers all the options one could want from a 20 ga pump gun.

APEXDUCK

 

[luckyone]

Count me in also on the BPS. All will work fine, but the BPS seems more solid to me and just seems to be a more polished gun overall.

 

[PROWLER 67]

Why not get the ladie a Winchester Model 12 20 gauge? One of the best small bores around.

 

[16'er]

I'm a big browing fan. but was not able to warm up to the bps, although I was sure I would buy one sooner or later. Got a chance to shoot one, had hard time hitting much anything with it. most brownings seem to fit me, this one did not. besides the kick was rather stiff for a 20.. I ended up buying a winchester 1300 in 20 later. have only shot it once, but did fair with it. I like the "speed pump", and recoil is light. I do wish the saftey was on the back of the reciever, though. was bought as a hunting back up and put a slide action in the safe for variety. I will probably pass it on to my niece when she's a little bigger..

I personally feel anyone who buys a gun without shooting it first is asking for problems. would you buy your wife a car with out letting her drive it first? Fit is the most important aspect for new shooters for success and felt recoil. of course duribilty and manufacturer must be taken into account...

I steer away from current daly products. Especially those on the bargin end...

 

[gkatchuk]

There are 2 I would consider the best out there being made right now.

1 Remington Wingmaster
2. Browning BPS

These have the best quality of the guns you are looking for. I own one of each and love both for different reasons. I would pick up each in the store to see which one handles better for you. Decide and never look back again.

 

[Desertrat]

get a M37 Ithaca.....you won't be unhappy.

 

[ShootingStar]

She leans towards the thumb safeties. That may not be her final answer, but if it's a crappy trigger guard safety then that's no good.

If the trigger guard safety is a deal breaker, your choices are pretty much limited to the Browning BPS or a Mossberg. Of those two, I'd favor the BPS, no question.

I'm sure they're very serviceable guns, but for me the Mossberg's generate all the excitement of a new axe handle.

If she can get past her issues with a trigger guard safety, I'd go with an original Winchester Model 12, Browning's version of the M12, or an Ithaca M-37 over anything else out there. All three are high quality, universally respected pump guns.

 

[luckyone]

gkatchuk you said you had both the Wingmaster and the BPS and like them both for different reasons. I'm currious what features you like and dislike regaurding both?[/quote]