GunGuy Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 I have a bit of a challenge on my hands..... My other half wants to try shooting but finds my Beretta 686 too heavy for her. So the conundrum is as follows. I would like to find a gun that I could use as a second gun but would be light enough for herself to use also.......would prefer 12 bore but maybe a 20? Oh yea, as it is a second gun /trial,, really would rather it was not expensive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ace_of_hearts Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 The g/f has a 20 bore Hatsan semi auto for the same reasons. Was only £300 new, came with a 3 year guarantee and is very light and low recoil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fib new Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 I use a 20ga Belgium Ladies gun for walked-up. It's light but very nice to shoot. Only problem is the kick you get when I use heavier loads. Oh, it doesn't take 3" carts; only chambered for 2 3/4"... It's great for pheasant, partridge, woodcock and snipe and that sort of game. Not so good on duck or pigeon..., don't really know why. Pretty little gun and not expensive -think mine cost about €250 second hand a few years ago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 My wife (5'2", 9 stone) uses a 20b S/S, usually with 21g loads. I shoot with it too, especially if I'm going for a walk around the fields and onto the hill. Only difference is that I'll carry 28g carts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 Most 20 bores would fit just find one in your price FIAS browning medalists are good and can be had cheap. Light weight 12s seem to come with a heavy price tag. Look for an ou she will find it easier to shoot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beretta28g Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 I have a Beretta Ultralight 12g at 5lb 10oz its very light and a very nice gun to use. the £1600 price tag is the only downside, second hand ones are around a grand, that may be a better bet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunGuy Posted November 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 Thanks for your advice folks, I had a feeling that a 20 would be the way to go. Now the search begins! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 Beretta and Winchester both make 'lightweight' models in 12 bore.With Hull Comp Ex 24 grm cartridges the recoil is very manageable. P.A.S.T. recoil shoulder pads are very effective at absorbing recoil also.Personally I'm not keen on beginners using smaller bores;big bores with wide open chokes get results and inspire confidence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunGuy Posted November 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 And now Beretta 28g throws in a curve ball ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshLamb Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 A sxs will do you! With light load cartridges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunGuy Posted November 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 Pardon the ignorance, who makes an sxs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beretta28g Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 It means SIde by side as apposed to a over and under, side by sides are usually lighter by design Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunGuy Posted November 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 Sorry, understand, sbs, I would have got! My fault not yours. And, yea, in general they are lighter. I have always found an o/u easier to shoot, but maybe that's just me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RED BEARD Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 i've got a barasingha thats a very light o/u 12g Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kelly Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 Franchi Falconet? Remember them being very light OUs (that means over and unders LOL). Don't imagine them costing a load of money, if you can find one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 Gunguy, if you post onto your profile the rough area of the country where you are, I'm certain someone here will be only too willing to meet up with you for your better half to try out a gun. If it's cheshire/northeast wales, we would be only too happy for her to have a go with the 20b SbS at a clay range Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bicykillgaz Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 I have a bit of a challenge on my hands..... My other half wants to try shooting but finds my Beretta 686 too heavy for her. So the conundrum is as follows. I would like to find a gun that I could use as a second gun but would be light enough for herself to use also.......would prefer 12 bore but maybe a 20? Oh yea, as it is a second gun /trial,, really would rather it was not expensive! I've got a 20b o/u for sale if your anywhere near me your welcome to borrow/try it before buying if you leave a gun or sgc certificate as a deposit. I'm in Gainsborough Lincolnshire, the gun is 4-5 months old and had just under 150 cartridges through it looks like new if you pm me an email address I'll send you some pictures. It's multichoke, single selective trigger, ejectors, 3" chambers, 30" barrels and comes in a plastic carry case. Atb Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunGuy Posted November 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 robbiep................. very sensible comment.... my profile now shows my location.... I am in cumbria but thanks for the offer, am actually amazed by the amount of info and help offered here..... great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 I have a bit of a challenge on my hands..... My other half wants to try shooting but finds my Beretta 686 too heavy for her. So the conundrum is as follows. I would like to find a gun that I could use as a second gun but would be light enough for herself to use also.......would prefer 12 bore but maybe a 20? Oh yea, as it is a second gun /trial,, really would rather it was not expensive! Take her to a clay ground and get her a proper lesson with a good instructor and the right kit, a bit of practice and she will handle a 686, far more important is the gun fit and balance..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharf Rat Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 Franchi semi-auto. Less than 5 1/2 lbs in 20b, 6 - 6 1/2 lbs in 12 and a semi so barely any recoil. Buy a recent-ish 20b and you can put 24g carts through it no problem. Much less than a grand with a guarantee and an action so reliable that it has been produced for over 60 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 I wouldnt go for a lightweight 12g. They may be light but the recoil is significantly increased. I went down that route a couple of years ago and ended up plumping for a 20 bore. Smaller loads through a lighter gun=similar recoil Love it now. Bought a 1990 Beretta 687 - 750 quid and the gun will outlast me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 Smaller loads through a lighter gun=similar recoil I agree but 21g through a 6 1/2 lb gun doesn't matter what the bore is...... Felt recoil is more too do with gun fit/mount in my experience than bore...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 I agree but 21g through a 6 1/2 lb gun doesn't matter what the bore is...... Felt recoil is more too do with gun fit/mount in my experience than bore...... I put my normal 32g loads through a Beretta lightweight and decided I wouldnt want to do it too often. I now use 24g through a 20 bore. My opinion is that if you want a light gun you need light loads to keep recoil down. But 21g through 12 or 20 would be fine for recoil. But if you want a light GUN then go 20 bore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 Some 20 bore are as heavy as a 12, if you want a light gun (more recoil) buy a light gun..... I have seen petite women shoot 8lb+ trap guns ( Charlotte kerwood and abbey burton) women who don't shoot moan about the weight but as they get better the strength improves then recoil fatigue is far worse with a light gun so buying a light gun now is IMO a waste of money wait till she is really interested and after a few lessons will be confident with a heavier gun, if its for a once or twice a year shoot day then hire/borrow one that fits! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fib new Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 I agree that you can best use a heavy gun for clay pigeon or shooting from a hide. But if you plan to do any walking-up, a light gun is a real benefit... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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