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I got Mrs. Ghostrider into skeet and she finds my 12ga a bit much. The instructor had her use
an 1100 in 20ga which was better, but recommended a 28ga.

So, I'm looking for opinions on the different 28ga semi-autos available: Remington, Weatherby, etc

If at all possible I'd like to stay below $1k and will definitely consider used if its a current production
model; preferably something I can find in the Austin area.

thanks.

Check out the Remington 1100 Skeet model. Its lightweight, has a 26" barrel and it's quick and handy. They ccan be found for around $600.

While you can certainly shoot a 28ga for skeet - it is one of the three gauges (12, 20, 28) and one caliber (.410) for competition skeet - you tend to handicap yourself against shooters in the 12ga division and slightly so in the 20ga division. You don't say what your 12ga is - but give some thought to finding her a proper fitting gun, maybe a softer shooting gas like the beretta's or a winchester sx3 (although I swear my browning o/u's don't wear me out as fast as a clanger-banger), and some lower dram equivalent 7/8 oz loads (even a 3/4 oz load). You could also look for a 20ga with the same criteria but I swear a 20ga has as much recoil as a 12ga (to me anywho). Good luck!

It may be just her unfamiliarity with shotguns. A good fit, a good recoil pad and good control of the gun are key to maximizing enjoyment and avoiding discomfort, along with avoiding shotgun shells that pack a lot more punch than needed. A semi-auto is a good idea for reducing recoil, too.

I'm surprised that your wife's instructor advised a 28-gauge. I would think that would be more frustrating to her than anything else, much like shooting a .410. I shoot a Remington 1100 Sporting 12 for sporting clays, it's a lot of fun and I can shoot it a lot without any bruising or discomfort. I also shoot a 20 gauge pump and have absolutely no problem with it. However, when I first tried to shoot a 12 gauge or a 20 gauge, I didn't like either. A big part of that was unfamiliarity. If I were you, I'd give her more time to get used to shotguns before making a decision that she needs a 28 gauge, but first I'd get another instructor...Just an FYI, at the NRA Women's Wilderness Escape that I attended, they only had 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns, and the petite lady lead instructor suggested everyone at least try a 12 gauge (to try to dispel their preconceptions that they are "too big"). No one had any problems with the 12's or 20's because they got properly fitted and properly trained on how to hold and shoot them (and we even had a breast cancer survivor in our group).

Just my 2 cents...

My Mom is very recoil sensitive and not the strongest person around either. She could not shoot a Rem 1100 well at all. It was too heavy and had harsh recoil in her eyes. She tried a few different 12ga guns and two 20ga guns. She didn't notice that much difference between 12-20ga. She bought a Beretta Extrema 2 w/kick off option. She can shoot that thing all day without any discomfort now. She shoots it almost every day and has no regrets. Not too many folks shoot a shotgun everyday, but she manages some property that has a lake on it and it requires pest extermination on a daily basis so she has gotten lots of practice in a short time frame.

She was using a Rem 1100 20ga; the recoil was no problem, but she was finding the weight of the gun
tiring after a while. I think the instructor suggested the 23ga (an 1100 also) because it is lighter.

I'm using a Rem 1100 12ga with target loads; It has an extended mag tube for IPSC, so its a bit heavy.

And yes, whatever I buy I expect to have the stock fitted, but maybe an 1100 in 20ga will be a good
starting point. For the next session we'll have both the 28ga and 20ga 1100's for her to try.

Where are you located? I have an 1100 LW in 28ga you could try out if you are near Houston.

I no longer shoot skeet or trap for $everal rea$on$. When I did, the 28 ga. was my favorite of the four skeet classes. You won't find 28 ga ammo at most Wal-Marts.

With all due respect, you're either on 'em or you ain't. In skeet, the targets are the same whether you're shooting a .410 bore or an 8 ga.

Some of us can't hit a barn with a rock - 400 or 500 at a time I up my chances...

If I go for a 20ga semi-auto, I'm leaning towards a Remington. Are there any others I should look at?

Check out the difference in ammo prices between 20 and 28 guage before you lock yourself into one.

Also, checkout the PAST recoil shield for women. Midway USA has them, if you can't find one locally. They are the best!

Take a look at the Browning Silver Hunter 20ga. It's a semi auto gas gun. Weighs less than 7 pounds.

I have the 12ga for skeet and it's a soft shooter.

Take a look at the Browning Silver Hunter 20ga. It's a semi auto gas gun. Weighs less than 7 pounds.

thanks for the suggestion