[Moparmike]

Thinking about getting my mom a HD weapon, and thinking a pistol-carbine is the way to go. I am not sure how recoil sensitive she is, but she wasnt inclined to shoot the 12ga.:)

She regularly shoots the .22, and enjoys it.

[Brian Williams]

I got My Marlin 1894C for $270 out the door, but most of the time I see them for upwards of $325I really enjoy mine and it is a real hoot to shoot.

Search for Lever actions and you will probably find a picture of mine with a Model 13.

[Atticus]

Agree...$300 is about average for a decent used one.

[bearwolf]

You can get the basic Marlin 336w at wally world for around 279$ not incl. tax. The winchester 94ae they had was around that same price as well. Not bad for a new beater rifle.
:D

[DonP]

A 12 guage can be a lot of gun for even some grown men to fire confidently.

(For proof, watch me flinching on the trap range)

There are some nice used pump 20 gauges out there, fairly cheap. Even a .410 can do the job.

Last year, IIRC, there was a report of an older woman somewhere out West using an old bolt action .410 to shoot an intruder right through an interior door and killing him.

Most folks I know favor a scattergun for "amateur" (as in someone that doesn't practice a lot with a handgun) HD.

IMHO find a used 20 for around $150 to $200 max and stock her up with some #6 birdshot to avoid over penetration issues and take her out a few time a year for the fun of it to shoot some cans up.

Good luck.

Don P.

[Moparmike]

Thanks. I know all about the flinching thing, I flinch (and shut my eyes involuntarily) when I shoot my 12ga and 8mm, especially when I put the butt too low on my shoulder and the impact is mostly on my upper arm. (ow.)