[outdoorsman]

I am about 5"4', around 110 or 120 pounds, and I've shot single shots all my life. I shoot a 410, and I want to move up to a 20 gauge. I like the pump actions, like the Remington 870. Is this good, or should I go to a 28 or 12? Should I get one in a different action, and are there any accessories I need?

[squirrelblaster]

i think you can probably handle a 12ga, but if you are not comfortable with that, then i say a 20ga. and a remington 870 is a great first pump shotgun. i started out on one and it is still a great gun that i use often even though i have several shotguns. when i got my 12ga 870 i was about 120, i was a little taller than you though. but im betting you can handle it.

[nathangdad]

and if you go to the Remington website you will see they have a new recoil pad that, if they are correct, would be a major recoil elimination.

So, you might want one of their new guns with the recoil pad.

They also make a youth sized shotgun that might better fit you.

Anyway, I really recommend the 20 gauge as the next logical step.

[sea_chicken1]

Any of you guys use a 20 guage for home defense and if so do you think it's devastating enough to do the job? I've always hade 12 guages but my wife is working on shooting a 12 and can only handle a few shots at a time, I was thinking about mabey going with a 20 guage until she gets used to the 12.

[rebel727]

The amount of felt recoil is from the way the stock fits you. A 20 being lighter can kick harder than the heavier 12. Get a stock fit to you and you can handle a 12 easily. My 16 year old daughter has been shooting 12's since she was 12 herself with no recoil pad. She'll pull both triggers at once with a SXS shooting clays and do it repeatedly.

[jerry]

be a rebel and get a good 16

[GlockMeister]

12ga. would be what I'd suggest or recommend. But to be honest, a good 20ga. would work just fine. Get a good grip and stance and you'll handle a 12ga. just fine.

I'd add that the length of pull should be checked and is what you'd need to have checked and made sure to be just right for you in order for you to be as accurate and comfortable as possible with any brand, model or caliber you decide on.

[sea_chicken1]

Thanks for the input guys I'll probaly pick her up a 12 that fits her then, that was a good point about the 20 being lighter and having more recoil.

[JMcDonald]

Even a .410 bore is going to be more damaging than even the larger of the common pistols:
Winchester 3 inch 5 pellet buck


My GF loves her .410 bore pump and I have zero worries about it keeping her safe.

[toolman]

You may want to look into a Rem. 1100, 11\87 or other good semi-auto in 12 ga. as the action on most of them further softens the felt recoil.

[miekelle]

a nice 16 or 12 lever-action shotgun with choke