[LINDY2008]

THR,

My wife has fun shooting clay pigeons in the back yard, but my shotgun (Rem 870) is too long/large for her to lift, handle, swing, shoot, and it is just too big for her.

Im looking at the New England Pardner 20 gauge, due to being super easy to load and handle. Kinda leaning towards a youth model, but only if it will be able to reach out and bust the clays.

The youth models come in 22 inch barrels, but Im curious if this barrel length is sufficient to reach the clays? We just have a cheapy thrower from walmart, and dont shoot too much, and Im looking at spending no more than $150.

Thanks for the advice...Lindy

[All4eyes]

You might have problems in that price range, one thing to consider is used, and cutting an inch off the stock and adding a new recoil pad. Barrel length is nothing if the gun doesn't fit her right.

Take her and let her try a few differant models, and see what fits. A gun that doesn't fit means alot of misses, and thats no fun.

[Fred Fuller]

Best advice I can give- let her pick it out. If she's petite, look at youth models to start with and go from there.

Single shots often pack a pretty good wallop with recoil, because they are so light in overall weight. Consider that carefully, in the selection process.

I also advise 'try before you buy' when possible. Handling several makes/models is a help in making a good decision, shooting them is even more so. Think family, friends and co-workers who shoot, and consider ranges or gun clubs that offer rental guns.

hth,

lpl

[distra]

Best advice I can give- let her pick it out.

+1 I'd also look at an 1100 20ga with a synthetic stock. Picked one up for ~ $250 (used) ~ 2yrs ago. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=144122994 These are great soft shooting light guns. You can't go wrong with an 1100 in my opinion.