Pump or O/U

[Mainewoods]

So the more I hunt and explain to my wife (not from a hunting family) why I like getting out in the woods, the more I think she's "getting" it. She has no desire to deer hunt but has mentioned bird hunting would be something she's willing to try. All my currently owned shotguns are 12 gauges and I'm thinking of adding a 28 or 20 gauge to the collection for her use.

I'm not going highend for a shotgun, just something for the occasional upland or waterfowl hunt along the lines of a Stevens (Savage) 555 or Mossberg International. She handled the Stevens and like it due too the weight and length of pull seemed right.

Anyone have input? My wife is relatively tall so a youth probably would be too small.

 

[massthru]

I've got the 555 and it's great for the money!!! I also have pumps but and over under is a great gun for a beginner.

 

[Meatseeker]

I would recommend an O/U or an autoloader. They tend to be much better balanced and more forgiving to an inexperienced shooter.

That Stevens is a nice little gun for that price point( $650). At that same price point you could get into a Franchi Affinity or a used Benelli or Beretta. I picked up a used Benelli M1 20 ga for my son a few years ago for $600. A buddy of my has a Franchi Affinity in 20ga and has had great luck with it. Benelli is the parent company... it is well made and well balanced.

Lots of good deals to be had on Gunbroker. Good luck.

 

[longbow]

Pick one that you like and that she can use occasionally. (Wink, Wink)

 

[shawn_in_MA]

Weatherby SA-08 20ga, semi auto, 26 or 28" barrel, light to carry and light recoil. I think mine was around $500 when I bought it. I use it as an occasional bird or bunny gun in Maine. It's nothing fancy but gets the job done.

 

[Mainewoods]

Pick one that you like and that she can use occasionally. (Wink, Wink)

So very true.

 

[802-603hunter]

Get her an 870, that way when she is ready to deer hunt she can slide right into a 7600. I can't believe you didn't already think of that!

 

[Sgt Mike]

Let her do the picking.

 

[NY Hunter]

Let her do the picking.

Great idea!

 

[Mainewoods]

Get her an 870, that way when she is ready to deer hunt she can slide right into a 7600. I can't believe you didn't already think of that!

I'm not sure if I AM ready for that!! haha

 

[802-603hunter]

I'm not sure if I AM ready for that!! haha

Good point.......in that case better start her out with a 10 gauge.....