Recommend a Ladies' Shotgun

[jeep78]

Oh, due to the higher velocity? 1330 fps instead of 1200 for a "target load?"

Maybe. But this 28 gauge shell has 1/8 ounce less payload, which means 60 fewer pellets if both gauges had #8 loads.

The 28 ga field load uses more powder than the 20 gauge. It has to do with energy and area of the piston transferring the energy to the shot column. 20 is more efficient.

Have you or your students actually shot a 28 and a 20 side by side? Weight of gun and fit have more to do with comfort. A light gun is easier to carry, but kicks harder than a heavier gun. A gas gun will always be softer than a pump or O/U or even a recoil action auto. A short barrel is more uncomfortable than a longer barrel.

 

[LARGO9]

If your shooting a 28ga, #8 shot 3/4oz load your shooting 307BB
20ga, #8 shot 7/8oz load your shooting 359BB
Get a semi-auto 20ga 26"barrels for the kids and lady and you'll be just find. If your going to be shooting clays the 20ga will break any clay a 12ga will plus you get more BB then the 28ga. Stay away from the 410bore with only 205BB.
You could also go with a 12ga but use 7/8oz load, the gun is heavier which will help in recoil. Stay with 1200fps or even go down to 1145fps. for recoil.

 

[LARGO9]

The 28 ga field load uses more powder than the 20 gauge. It has to do with energy and area of the piston transferring the energy to the shot column. 20 is more efficient.

Have you or your students actually shot a 28 and a 20 side by side? Weight of gun and fit have more to do with comfort. A light gun is easier to carry, but kicks harder than a heavier gun. A gas gun will always be softer than a pump or O/U or even a recoil action auto. A short barrel is more uncomfortable than a longer barrel.

You'll find that the 20ga takes more powder then the 28ga

7/8 1,200 Rem 209P 20 / 28 WAA 20 15.5 9,690 20ga powder 15.5
3/4 1,200 Win 209 20 / 28 PT-28 13.2 10,550 28ga powder 13.2
also notice you pressure difference @ 1000psi difference.

 

[gh1950]

That load will kick the same as a 20 gauge target load.

The two loads pictured are the ballistic equivalent. The 28 ga. will actually produce more recoil with the load shown because typically it will be shot in a lighter gun than a 20 ga.

If you are looking to "graduate" someone to a 29 ga. consider an O/U with a 28 ga tube set. Going to be outside the budget of $400, but you are essentially getting two guns.

 

[rtross]

Except, it's NOT. Did you read my first post that started this thread?

Yep.
But he was asking for opinions, and that was mine.
You had yours, and I respect your opinion.
I personally reload 12G, 20G, and even 28G. I like them all. But I thought 20G handles easily, usually has 7/8 oz of shot (more than 28G), and is usually cheaper than a 28G.
Just my opinion, but I could be wrong.

 

[lostchild]

Looking to go cheap?
12 gauge single or double with Aguila #7 1/2 mini shells. 12gauge Mossberg or Maverick pump w/OpSol adapter and mini shells.

 

[NWSharpshooter]

Are you taking new shooters to shoot trap?

 

[Deleted member 38641]

My wife shoots her Maxus Sporting Golden Clays Maple when we skeet shoot and loves it.
12 Gauge, 1 0z. #8 shot, Low Recoil

https://www.browning.com/products/f...inued/maxus-sporting-golden-clays-maple1.html

She had a 20ga O/U couple years ago and she commented that it kicked more than the current 12ga she shoots. She won't go back to it. She said it actually hurt her shoulder.

 

[jeep78]

You'll find that the 20ga takes more powder then the 28ga

7/8 1,200 Rem 209P 20 / 28 WAA 20 15.5 9,690 20ga powder 15.5
3/4 1,200 Win 209 20 / 28 PT-28 13.2 10,550 28ga powder 13.2
also notice you pressure difference @ 1000psi difference.

The load he listed has more powder than either the Winchester or Remington target loads sold everywhere for 5 bucks a box in 20 gauge.

Loads are available in both gauges with both more and less powder and or shot than the mentioned loading.

The "economy" loading mentioned by OP will have recoil indistinguishable from the rem or win 20 gauge loading.

As mentioned above, shotguns kick, all of them.
Move up to turkey or goose loads in any gauge and they can get punishing.

 

[GAgunLAWbooklet]

I think I might have to forget about a 28 gauge and just go with a 20, because of the cost of the gun itself.
I can find pump action 20 gauges for $150 and $250 for semi-autos.
It seems that $450 is the lowest price point for a 28 ga. in either of these action types.