HD shotgun for sister - 20ga?

My sister has asked that I make some suggestions for an hd shotgun for her home. She currently uses a S&W 357 revolver that she fires .38's from for hd. She wants to add a shotgun. We had her go through a couple handgun classes, and use a bunch of rental handguns before she settled on her S&W. This process seemed to work well, although I've not been able to find any ranges that offer the same type of program with shotguns around here.

She can fire one of my 12ga pumps I suppose just to try it out. But I suspect she may end up with a 20ga. What options are out there for 20ga hd shotguns? I'm a bit concerned with her ability to reliably manipulate a pump gun under severe stress. Is there such a thing as a semi-auto 20ga hd shotgun out there? Maybe a 12ga auto-loader would be soft enough for her to shoot?

Thanks
Wayne

Most maker's Youth models have a 21" (or thereabouts) barrel. A Rem 1100 youth might just do the job for her. Very fun gun to shoot after shooting an 870-12 ga.

Here you are...


http://www.remington.com/images/firearms/1100LT20youth.jpg


It's the Remington Youth Model 1100 LT-20 - see here (http://www.remington.com/NR/exeres/000015c8qadhmvekvujzvnda/RemArms+Rich+Product.asp?NRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2ffirearms%2fyouth%2f1100ythsyn%2ehtm&NRNODEGUID=%7bF6997AE5-7B1F-4D60-8DE6-A307CA03E1BF%7d&NRQUERYTERMINATOR=1&cookie%5Ftest=1) for full specifications. Should be just what she needs.

The LT 20 1100 is an outstanding choice. Like the 1100 Special Field mentioned in another thread, it's reliable, soft kicking and durable as a crowbar.

Take your sister to a range and let her shoot a couple different shotguns if possible.

As for pumping under stress, I've had zero probs. Practice is essential with any defensive tool.

If your Sis prefers a pump-gun, both Remington & Mossberg offer youth models in their lines. Winchester probably does, too, but I haven't looked.

And as Preacherman & Mr. McCracken have stated, in a 20-Ga auto-loader, you would be very hard pressed to find a better choice than the Remmy.

Agree with the others -

One of the best kept secrets is a 1100 20 ga.

She MUST be able to operate the gun reliably. If she can't do it with a pump get an auto.Make sure the gun fits her.Get a really good recoil pad. There are a number of reduced loads avilable now .A 12 gage reduced load would be more effective than a 20 gage.

If she's fine with a pump, the Mossberg 500 20ga and bantam stock will do the trick (the top mounted safety is easier to manipulate and remember).

If pumps don't cut it, the 20ga 1100.

I also favor the 1100 20 ga. While looking for her own SG, Mrs. 9mmMike shot an older LW-20 1100 at a Ladies Day at our local club. She busted the few clays they threw and she was hooked.
We bought an 1100 20 ga. Special Field (essentially an LT-20) a few weeks later and the rest is history.
It is her favorite.
Mike

Just handled the 1100 youth - very nice! Dick's has'em for 479 or so.

Choate now makes 20 guage extensions in several lengths.

So, just budget another $50 or so into your budget.

I put one on my 26 inch barrel 870. It now holds 9 in the magazine tube. Of course they call it a "10" round extension...

I used to own (it was my first repeating shotgun) a Remington 1100 LT 20 with a straight "English" stock. That was a sweet gun! I kinda wish I still had it. I would see if one of those fit her.

If she prefers pumps, a youth model 870 is a trim little piece too.

The Rem 870 youth Express is really a nice gun for the money.

Tanks makes mag extensions, I have one on the way.

http://www.tanksrifleshop.com/rem20ga.htm

As for ammo, #3 buck will stop just about anything.

Regarding the Tankrifle products extension, it seems a better bargain than Choate. Where were you about 5 months ago?

Regarding 20 guage ammo, I've not been able to find much selection of Buck at retail over the counter. The choice mostly is 7, 7 1/2 & 8 shot and some slugs.

Lot's of #3 buckshot in 3" & 2 3/4" . Now there is also #2 buck around , which is getting there! I think an 1100 youth with a deer barrel is an excellent choice. However I chose another path and am putting together an Ithaca Model 37 20 gauge . I bought a 25" deerslayer barrel and a Choate 11 3/4" conventional stock. I am NOT going to cut down the barrel as it is quieter that way and swings better than a 20" or less barrel.5 shots is plenty for me. I am in the gun $360 which is around what you can buy a 20 DeerslaYER FOR ON INTERNET AUCTIONS. The combo seems to weigh just under 6 pounds and my wife loves it! :)

My dad has a Winchester 1300 20 ga. and loves it. Its a pump, but is small and easy to use for smaller frame folks.

What about a Saiga in 20 gauge?

--Gas operated, which should reduce recoil.
--Detachable box magazines.
--Kalashnikov reliability.
--Reasonably priced.

One thing to remember about a pump gun, there mere sound of the action being cycled will scare off intruders.