Suggestions for a Woman's HD Shotgun

[zephyp]

Young needs a good shotgun for home defense. She's very small so I'm thinking a 20 gauge. And something easy to use. A reliable auto perhaps with a high cap mag. Something that can sit idly in a corner and do its job when required. And something she doesnt have to fiddle with to make it go bang. I'd like to keep the price reasonable but for obvious reasons dont want to skimp. Recommendations?

[OakRidgeStars]

[gunderwood]

Watch the weight and length of pull. The LOP on a lot of defense shotguns is rather long IMO and makes a light gun feel much heavier. Perhaps a saiga?

[Jakeiscrazy]

I was thinking a Saiga as well, with maybe an adjustable stock.

[gunderwood]

I was thinking a Saiga as well, with maybe an adjustable stock.

Potential 922r issues.

[Jakeiscrazy]

Not to mention the price to do the conversion. Maybe a youth model pump action?

[zephyp]

Not to mention the price to do the conversion. Maybe a youth model pump action?

A youth model but I'd rather she didnt have to pump anything...I like the idea of a Saiga...do they make a 20 gauge...and they have a high cap mag...

@Jay - I knew as I typed this out that a pink gun pic would show up...

[ksanftleben]

DeGoff's had Arsenal SGL41s (converted Saiga .410s) available for $500 (versus a list price of $900) a while ago. Think the price has now gone up another $50 to $100.



And, Saiga does make a 20 gauge model, but they seem to be harder to find than Saiga .410s. (These two links will take you to a very good Saiga forum for more info.)

R/Kurt

[gunderwood]

Ya, they do, but I would recommend the 12ga. Buy that one first and let her try it out with low recoil loads. Between the LR loads and semi-auto action, it should be pretty light on the shoulder. 12ga is much more effective and defensive loads are much easier to find too. Besides, if it is too much for her, keep it for yourself and get the next gauge down. Rinse and repeat until you own them all or she finds the perfect gun.

You could always give it to me if you don't want to keep it...

I agree with the semi-auto idea. Pumps require a good bit of training to operate correctly and quickly when under stress. While a semi can jam, the overall probability of her being able to get off a second shot (if needed) is higher with the semi-auto than a pump. Unless she is committed to training with it.

[Jakeiscrazy]

I was under the impression Sagias had trouble cycling light loads with out some piston mods done.

[Diomed]

I would echo the suggestion of a converted Saiga in .410. When I was considering a HD gun for my mom, I looked at that, and it looked pretty good.

I wound up getting her a M1 carbine instead. Any particular reason you're set on a shotgun?

[zephyp]

The Saiga looks good in 20 or 410...although I'm not too hip on a 410 for a womans HD gun. Not enough pellets but the fact that you can spew rounds helps...I've also looked at the managed recoil loads for 12. And yes, working a pump action under stress for her is definitely not a viable solution. I want something she can do maximum damage with minimum effort, recoil, training and no worries about collateral issues...

I'm also looking for a tube fed tactical semi-auto in 20 but almost everything comes in 12 only...

I may be stuck with 12 and managed recoil. Right now she's only comfortable with a .25 auto and the notion that she can effectively use other weapons I keep here and there...but I know she's not...her problem is she's got a stubborn streak like me and refuses to acknowledge vulnerabilities...

[graybeard321]

I picked up a tristar Viper G2 Youth Synthetic Stock Semi-Auto in 20 guage at a gun show for my wife it was a little under $500.00 . She uses it to shoot sporting clays and home defense. have had it for a couple years now and have never had a issue with it.

[NOVAArmament]

I'd have her try various models out prior to going with something like a Saiga, which is a decent choice BTW.

For my aunt, we found that a Charles Daly Youth model 20 Gauge pump was a perfect fit for her. She was able to handle the recoil just fine, and she ended up naming the shotgun.

Another option might be a Charles Daly 20 Gauge Semi-Auto shotgun. I don't know about high capacity, but these are available for a nice price right now. We have one available for $260 before tax and call-in fee.

My wife likes the older Remington 1100s in 20 Gauge although the length of pull is a little long for her.

If you make a decision, please give us a call: 703-435-4222.

TJ @ NOVA Armament.

[apr1775]

My wife has a Mossberg 500 youth 12ga. For someone with short arms, a "youth" model should fit right. Most buckshot loads are made for hunting and try to give the longest range possible which results in more recoil, but there are defence loads with very manageble recoil, even in 12ga. The saiga may be a good choice too. Don't dismiss the 410, it can be very deadly. Ever see the 410 triple ought buckshot loads? Three balls in the 2.5in and five balls in 3in.

[zephyp]

My wife has a Mossberg 500 youth 12ga. For someone with short arms, a "youth" model should fit right. Most buckshot loads are made for hunting and try to give the longest range possible which results in more recoil, but there are defence loads with very manageble recoil, even in 12ga. The saiga may be a good choice too. Don't dismiss the 410, it can be very deadly. Ever see the 410 triple ought buckshot loads? Three balls in the 2.5in and five balls in 3in.

Yes but thats a farcry from around 16 in the 12 gauge. I know they are deadly but I want something she doesnt necessarily have to be spot on to neutralize...I do like the idea of the lighter round...energy is essentially the same only fewer pellets.

Thanks TJ. I'll certainly keep you guys in mind. I havent had the chance to visit you folks yet and need to get over that way...

[CowboyT]

Having had the honor to meet Young, yes, she's small. I know women in their 30's who would kill to look like that, and she pulls it off at...well....

A 12-gauge is out of the question, IMO, for someone her size. My mother, who is a bit bigger than Young, tried a 12-gauge and it nearly broke her shoulder. I believe the best home defense shotgun (or any firearm) is the one you practice with and get good with. DK knows my size (slender, but not small), and even my shoulder does not like too much pump 12ga. 10 rounds, and I'm done.

I'd therefore suggest a Rem 1100 in 20ga, with some LEO-spec 00-buck.

[gunderwood]

Having had the honor to meet Young, yes, she's small. I know women in their 30's who would kill to look like that, and she pulls it off at...well....

A 12-gauge is out of the question, IMO, for someone her size. My mother, who is a bit bigger than Young, tried a 12-gauge and it nearly broke her shoulder. I believe the best home defense shotgun (or any firearm) is the one you practice with and get good with. DK knows my size (slender, but not small), and even my shoulder does not like too much pump 12ga. 10 rounds, and I'm done.

I'd therefore suggest a Rem 1100 in 20ga, with some LEO-spec 00-buck.

Training can just about overcome any reasonable recoil issues. IMHO, shoulder soreness is irrelevant. You are fighting for you life, a sore shoulder is a small price to pay. You have to take it in order to give. Ability to control the firearm is far more important.

However, it sounds like DK/young wants something simple and easy that doesn't require training to work well. It takes practice to control the big recoil guns, but that is the trade-off for increased effectiveness. You have to find a balance.

DK, I agree with you. 410 gauge is a little too small. 20 gauge is better.

Anyone have a 12ga Saiga? I have at least 1k rounds of 12ga low recoil tactical slugs. I'll supply the ammo, you supply the gun, DK supplies the girl. Any questions?

[Diomed]

Anyone have a 12ga Saiga?

Why yes, yes I do.

[zephyp]

Some great advice guys. One of the problems I have is encouraging her to shoot. I've got a 12 gauge pump tactical and its a decent shooter...great for HD. I loaded it with light target loads, she shot it once, almost dropped it and wouldnt touch it again...so Its got to be something I can work her up to a real HD load...

I have a .22/20gauge over under. Maybe I can start her with .22 and then work up to 20 ga target loads and the on from there...the other problem with the saiga is weight...she has trouble with my M-15 which weighs less...now the problem becomes recoil again...lighter gun heavier recoil...

My work is cut out for me...burning up some 12 gauge through a Saiga does sound fun though...