Got both the 12 Deluxe and a standard 20 here.

Two things you don't have to even wonder about with the 20 are the accuracy and the 3-inchers kick.

I believe the first year (or two) of the H&R it was only available in 20 and that the 20 established the accuracy reputation as a "tack driver".

100 yards is really nothing for these guns in 20. It's all 1-2-3. Just do your practice time, know your sight-in, drop etc. and you'll (she'll) be fine. Remember, most importantly, to establish your "baseline" with the same ammo you'll hunt with. One of the biggest mistakes guys make that cost them the meat is to switch ammo and believe "ammo is ammo".

Although the 20 is certainly capable of easily taking down even the biggest bruiser with a well placed shot I shoot the 12. I believe that the bigger slug gives me two advantages over my son's 20. First is that the 12 has much more powerful ammo and ammo selection than the 20 and increases my effective range. Second, the larger, harder hitting slug gives me a little more room for error. Haven't needed any room for error yet, but it's nice to know it's there. Like when I'm driving, I don't use much of the available horsepower, but it IS there if I need it.

If you pick up the 20, you might want to try the 3" Remington Copper Solids. I picked up ALOT of these on clearance at our local K-Mart store's who were not going to sell firearms any longer. Paid like $3 or $4 a box and hit every K-Mart around here for like 50 miles. I cannot tell you how happy I was with their accuracy on our first shooting session! And we have enough around here to practice a bit prior to season and hunt with for many years to come.

My 12 gets a steady diet of Brenneke slugs. 3" Golds for hunting fields/field edges and
2 3/4" for closer encounters.

I believe that if you purchase one for her it will be one firearm purchase you will make that you will immediately feel great about your choice. Then the next question will be...............how long til you get one?!?!?!

Uncle Matt (in IL)