Hey guys I am in in a bit of dilemma with my mom. She is 71 and, as far as I know, has never shot a gun. She is living in the country alone since my father died last year. She has had a couple occasions where people have come into her yard at night. She has expressed interest in getting a gun and I think a shotgun would be the best choice but, I am not sure she would remember to rack the slide on a pump if she should need it. I do not currently have any doubles for her to try though that might be a good choice. What I do have, in addition to a couple of pump guns, is a Remington 1100 that I originally bought to turn into a 3-gun shotgun. I was thinking that since the gas system naturally helps dampen recoil it might be a good choice. Also it could be left chamber empty, safety off, so all she would have to do is is push the button, to drop the slide, and pull the trigger. I was thinking about getting a shorter barrel, 18-20'', and a mag tube extension, though I doubt she would ever need more than five rounds. the extra weight of the rounds would help lessen recoil a bit. I was also thinking about adding a recoil reducing stock like the Knoxx but I haven't been able to find anything specifically for the 1100. Will the one made for the 870 work on an 1100? I know a lot of you will disagree with my choice of a semi auto shotgun but, like I said, I like the idea of the reduced recoil even without a different stock.
Recoil reducing stock for Remington 1100
- Thread starter CZ223
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Virginian
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I don't think you can go less than 23" and have reliable operation of the gas system unless you modify the gas ports. What about something like a little Rossi carbine in 357, or loaded with 38 specials if that's too much recoil. Those things kick so little she might not mind practicing a little with ear plugs. My mother - all 5'-1" of her, lived out in the country alone well into her 80s, and she took great pride in being able to hit what she aimed at with a little rifle. Of course, I see ladies who look to be pushing 80 on the clays course with 9 pound O/Us, and you know your Mom best.
A 71 year old woman who has never shot a gun will probably find a 12 gauge intimidating and have less confidence in it.
I would probably go with a pistol caliber carbine and a red dot. The red dot will be visible to even someone with poor eyesight, and the recoil will be so mild that they can practice without intimidation and feel confident. Adjust the sight for her, and she might find she is a good shot right away.
Even people with little to no experience can place accurate rounds quickly with a pistol caliber carbine.
I would go for semi-auto though.
The 9x19 hi-points are inexpensive and should be reliable.
The stopping power won't be as great as the shotgun, but accuracy and confidence will probably be much greater.
They weigh less, and are easier to hold up.
The 9mm with a 16" barrel also has ballistics of a handgun shooting .357 Magnum rounds. Quite a bit more effective than 9x19 handguns.
I would probably go with a pistol caliber carbine and a red dot. The red dot will be visible to even someone with poor eyesight, and the recoil will be so mild that they can practice without intimidation and feel confident. Adjust the sight for her, and she might find she is a good shot right away.
Even people with little to no experience can place accurate rounds quickly with a pistol caliber carbine.
I would go for semi-auto though.
The 9x19 hi-points are inexpensive and should be reliable.
The stopping power won't be as great as the shotgun, but accuracy and confidence will probably be much greater.
They weigh less, and are easier to hold up.
The 9mm with a 16" barrel also has ballistics of a handgun shooting .357 Magnum rounds. Quite a bit more effective than 9x19 handguns.
throdgrain
Member
I can't think of s lighter recoil from a gun than a Remington 1100.
Opinions vary widely
I knew this was going to happen. In fact, the minute I finished writing this, I reconsidered and dug out my daughters Cowboy gun, a Marlin 94' with 16" barrel, in 357/38. This gun is as smooth as butter. I probably will have to readjust the stock. I cut it for my daughter when she was 9. I also want to make sure the springs are strong enough to set the primer off every time.
As for the 1100, I may go through with my plans anyway. The reason that I thought it a good choice in the first place in that the gas system helps reduce recoil considerably. Shoot 5 slugs through an 870 or 590 then do the the same through an 1100 and you will notice a huge difference. Larocca builds guns with 18.5 inch barrels, so it can be done. It may require some additional smithing. Factory barrels are available in the 20" range and at least one aftermarket company offers an 18 1/2" barrel.
I knew this was going to happen. In fact, the minute I finished writing this, I reconsidered and dug out my daughters Cowboy gun, a Marlin 94' with 16" barrel, in 357/38. This gun is as smooth as butter. I probably will have to readjust the stock. I cut it for my daughter when she was 9. I also want to make sure the springs are strong enough to set the primer off every time. As for the 1100, I may go through with my plans anyway. The reason that I thought it a good choice in the first place in that the gas system helps reduce recoil considerably. Shoot 5 slugs through an 870 or 590 then do the the same through an 1100 and you will notice a huge difference. Larocca builds guns with 18.5 inch barrels, so it can be done. It may require some additional smithing. Factory barrels are available in the 20" range and at least one aftermarket company offers an 18 1/2" barrel.
Ghost Tracker
Member
The factory Remington R2 recoil pad is made by Limbsaver. That and a diet of AA loads or even tactical (low recoil) buckshot should be fine for Mom. I don't think she's gotta' have slugs. And get her a nice German Shepherd. They'll love the crap out of EACH OTHER!
RNB65
Member
IMHO, a 12ga shotgun is way too much gun for a women of that age with no shooting experience. Even young women find shotguns difficult to handle due to stock length, weight, and fear of recoil. Consider trading the shotgun for a compact rifle (Mini 14 would be good) or a revolver.
Steel Talon
Member
In the early 80's my father had a heart transplant. His Doctors were not going to allow him to hunt anymore. Long story short. We placed Mercury recoil reducers into the stocks of his 270, and his 1100. And added Pachmyr decelerat0r recoil pads. He continued to hunt for many more years.
http://www.mercuryrecoil.com/
http://www.mercuryrecoil.com/
Red Cent
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