Shotgun questions ...

[Nuts590]

Just my two cents worth: I agree with everyone that is saying youth model 20 gauge. Browse this if you want to, it's got good information straight from the proverbial horse's mouth.
http://www.mossberg.com/bantam_diagram.htm
(FYI, the slide release is the little gray blur directly behind the trigger guard)
http://www.remington.com/firearms/youth/youth.htm
http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/category.asp?cat=099C

I personally would avoid any single/double shot anything for HD. Takes too long to reload. In a SHTF situation I don't want to be the one taking my jolly sweet time trying to fumble with a break action.

 

[BlackCat]

Thanks, Lee I think I will check into that youth model 870. Even if the stock was too short, she could add a slip on recoil pad to add back some length and soften the punch. I think I even have one lying around somewhere, if it would fit.

I'm 5'10" and my Model 870 Youth Express is definately not too short for me. It's just that much handier than the full size model. Then, I'm a huge fan of a stubby shotgun and I absolutely hate the long clunky models.

It looks like she'll be passing through this area on the way to Michigan. I'd be happy to meet her and let her try out my Remington as much as she'd like. No I'm not a dirty old man, just a bit older than her actually. Let me know.

FWIW, I was shooting a 12 gauge model 870 Wingmaster when I was a 6th grader with no trouble. I've also watched a 5'0" 100lb girl bust clays with an 870 Marine Magnum 12ga. without having any problem whatsoever. Light target loads, yes, but she definately could handle the gun fine. She also could fire a .45ACP quite easily.

With practice a pump can be fired as quickly, if not quicker, than an autoloader, which is fairly impressive. I wouldn't hesitate to buy either an 870 or 1100 though, both fine weapons.