And not just any training - but PROPER training.
Someone who can competently teach the "push-pull" technique is what we ALL should seek when it comes to learning how to run a shotgun. Especially in the realm of pump-action.
And I figured it out on my own at about 16 years old...The “push-pull” technique is one of the secrets of the universe.
Beat me to it......I have found one can bag their limit of females with most any shotgun...
...er, never mind.
What makes and models would you recommend she start with?Fit.
It must be comfortable to weild.
There's really no logical reason for "I highly suggest not using a shotgun for women if it can be avoided". Sorry, but that is absolutely absurd.Semi-auto 20ga is probably the best if it has to be a shotgun. Semi-auto because it dampens the recoil. I did get some of my older aunts to shoot a 12ga semi-auto, but I had to help hold it up for them until just before shooting. I highly suggest not using a shotgun for women if it can be avoided.
Maybe that statement was a little too general or rigid. There are going to be plenty of women who shotguns will work for, for home defense, but as a rule of thumb I would much prefer training them on an AR-15. While my wife can, my mother can't. Most of the women I've trained to use whatever gun they have available can't. Sedentary women past the age of 40 TEND to have an issue. Therefore, because people age, I suggest an AR over a shotgun.There's really no logical reason for "I highly suggest not using a shotgun for women if it can be avoided". Sorry, but that is absolutely absurd.
There are plenty of women of all ages who shoot shotguns regularly and who are some of the best shooters in the world. Then take into account that target shotguns are significantly heavier than the average filed gun or shorter barreled home defense gun. My daughter was 8 months pregnant and was still shooting her 12ga target shotgun.
People who are new to shooting a shotgun will often struggle at first with holding the gun up in the mounted position. It's often in part due to who is doing the teaching having them hold it there too long while giving instruction. Also, it's because they don't know how to properly stand with the gun mounted to have balance and movement to help mitigate recoil.
Additionally, gun fit is paramount in helping reduce felt recoil and that cheek slap feeling as well as making it feel comfortable when mounted. It can be more difficult for a woman to find a gun that's really close to fitting off the gun rack. However most semiauto's with shims make this a good bit better and there are some brands who have started making shotguns specifically designed to fit women.
Honestly, I think it comes down to personal preference of what works for the individual.Maybe that statement was a little too general or rigid. There are going to be plenty of women who shotguns will work for, for home defense, but as a rule of thumb I would much prefer training them on an AR-15. While my wife can, my mother can't. Most of the women I've trained to use whatever gun they have available can't. Sedentary women past the age of 40 TEND to have an issue. Therefore, because people age, I suggest an AR over a shotgun.
Fit first, training second.
Without the former, it wont point correctly.
Without the latter, she wont control it effectively.
(And she'll HATE it)
Women ESPECIALLY need detailed shotgun handling training. Guys are big dumb oafs that just suck it up and deal with the pain and muscle through the recoil. Women generally cant... until they have been taught the tricks. Then they will likely handle it better than an average dumb dude.