Took my wife down to look at some shotguns and she didn't really care for the 870. Of the youth models they had to choose from, she liked the Winchester 1300 Ranger and the Benelli Nova youth models the best.
My question is which one would you choose and why?
Thanks for your comments.
TH

Some years back I faced the same question. I too did not like the Remington, not that it was a bad gun, I have an old 870 12 gauge that is a fine gun. What I didn't like about the Remington Express was the cheap looking painted on finish. I bought a winchester 1300 youth. This gun has given me great service over the years. Last year I took a buddies grandson turkey hunting and he shot his first gobbler with it.

Goat

No question the 1300 would come home. They are a very rugged and reliable shotgun that will last for many years to come.

What I really like about the 1300 is the fact that it uses a rotating bolt head with four individual locking lugs that lock up inside the barrel instead of a single locking block that locks into the barrel extension like on the 870.

As far as the nova goes I am not a plastic shotgun fan.

The Ranger & Nova are both good guns, mechanically speaking. The reason she liked those 2 are probobly because she shouldered them well and they seemed to fit her better than other shotguns she held. That being said, SHE is going to most likely shoot the gun SHE is most comfortable with more easily.

Now, $$$? That's another topic. beings she seems to just be getting into it, you might want to go with the lower cost.

My son has been shooting a 1300 for over 10yrs with no problems!

Well if it were me i would choose the 870. I like them so well i have 4 of them and havent had any trouble out of them. Probly the most popular pump today and has been for along time but if she doesnt like it, owell. If i had to go with either of the other guns id choose the winchester 1300. A buddy of mine has a ranger compact in 20 gauge and its a great gun but he always talks of how he wishes he had and 870. Good luck with your decision the 870 or 1300 will both be great guns, dunno nething bout the nova.

i have had the exact experience as you 3006 lover but i have had some experience with the nova and it wasnt a good one either.i personally think they are cheap looking and felt that way too and i am a well honest to god lover of the 870 it is the best pump gun. it has been compared to the winchester modle 12 but it is actually better because the 870 isnt as delicately made as the model 12 was. i have 6 870's and wouldnt get anyother pump gun. i have only betrayed the remington line of shotguns 1 time and that was on my mossberg silver reserve o/u. i wouln have got the the remington 3200 but i dont have that kind of cash at one time to spend.

Thanks for the replies guys.
I agree with you one the 870. I have an 870 Super Magnum and I love it.
She just didn't like how the 870 fit her. Oh well, I'd rather get her something she's comfortable with.
Are there any other pumps we should look at? Or even a decent priced semi-auto?
Thanks again.
TH

I've got a 1300 speedpump slug gun and I've also got a nova both have served me flawlessly. The nova is a tough gun in all elements and can easily be field stripped in seconds with no tools. Also with the nova you can add a mercury recoil reducer in the butt stock if need be. Spend the money now she'll have it forever but she'll have to decide what fits her best.

IMO, I don't think any pump gun would have problems. Pump guns are very basic and there for is less room to cause a problem. When coming to a decision on a pump gun, I think it comes down to how it feels.