20 Gauge Over Under for the wife

[Geetch]

Gun would be used a few times per year, shooting clay targets (most often), doves and quail on occasion.

She's 5'2" and full size guns don't fit here. She's also a bit recoil sensitive. She did fine with a 20 gauge auto this past weekend but she wants an over under.

Under $750 would be ideal.

Suggestions?

[ndbrown213]

Savage/Stevens 555 compact

[MKW]

I'd try to find a Browning Citori Micro Lightning. You likely won't find one for $750 though.

[Iefstath]

I found a lightly used beretta silver snipe in 20ga that my wife loves. Its great for field or skeet, but does not have screw in chokes.

Paid 350 at Cabelas, they can be found regularly in the $450-500 range.

Cheap enough that you could also have fitted.

[Saltydog235]

Got a Franchi Diamond 28ga, you could have the stock cut and a recoil pad put on, I’d let go for $750. New condition. I was going to let my wife shoot it but she can shoot something else.

[Geetch]

I'm in Florida, so likely not an option.

My next question was going to be should I get her a 20 or 28 gauge.

[rp]

I'd try to find a Browning Citori Micro Lightning. You likely won't find one for $750 though.

In Columbia at Barron's they have one "used" that was not shot because it was too heavy. Go figure. It is more than 750 but a great looking gun and worth it.

Otherwise, Id look for some CZ's for that price.

Maybe the gun I saw was a Berretta.

[Geetch]

what length barrel should I be looking into?

[FBT]

I own the stevens 555 compact 20 and highly recommend it. retails for $599.

[Phone Man]

check the academy yildiz o/u's Like $449

[Crunchtime48]

Stoeger condors are a good gun. A buddy's daughter of mine shoots one for sporting clays, trap, etc. He shoots it dove hunting every so often. Very nice fun for the money. Normally right around $500 after taxes


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[Gander]

You probably don't want to hear this but don't get her an over/under. Get a Beretta Auto in 20 ga. It's lightweight and will be easier on recoil.

I see guys buying their kids/wives over/under when they are better served with an auto at a lower cost. The 20 ga will be harsh on recoil and just beat her up. Not to mention costly if you get a decent over/under.

[Jozie & Me]

You probably don't want to hear this but don't get her an over/under. Get a Beretta Auto in 20 ga. It's lightweight and will be easier on recoil.

I see guys buying their kids/wives over/under when they are better served with an auto at a lower cost. The 20 ga will be harsh on recoil and just beat her up. Not to mention costly if you get a decent over/under.

There is no need to second a gun expert,

But i agree wholeheartedly. o/u have no capacity to limit recoil other than a pad. A gas automatic will take up some recoil and be much more enjoyable for her to shoot. My wife has a 20 gauge Gold hunter. Shoots like a dream.

[Geetch]

Thank you for the responses. 20 gauge auto is what I'll look for.

[Geetch]

Gots another question.

Would a heavier 12 gauge over under reduce the recoil if shooting say 7/8 oz, #8 shot.

[bearclaw]

Go with an auto. Nothing in an over and under to reduce recoil unless you want to put money in stock. Yes heavier will reduce but not that much.

[FLS]

Yes. A 12 gauge auto will reduce it even more. My 390 and 391 have had thousands of 7/8 oz loads run thru them. My 391 with a 7/8 oz load kicks less that my 1100 LT 20 with similar load.

[Gander]

Have her try both a 20 and a 12 and let her decide. Most have no problem managing a 12 ga.

[Ring King]

My wife is 5' and 125lbs. She has always shot a 20ga and was shooting a 20ga youth Charles Daly up until this year. I bought a Beretta A300 Outlander this year and let her try it with all the stock spacers removed. She loves the gun!! She was shooting 3" Kent Faststeel 1 1/8oz loads and even though it kicked she was able to handle it with no trouble. I'd imagine with 2 3/4" dove loads it'll be a dream for her!

[jwilliams]

I'm not trading my wife for a shotgun period.