Thats another excellent choice in a slide action. Dang shame they quit making them. Still tons of great ones on the used market. If she is shorter in stature, the 1300 might be just the ticket. Winchester had the foresight to recess the pump slide's position when it battery, which makes it a heck of a lot easier for shorter arms to reach. One of the chief complaints with the youth model 870 is shooters cannot reach the pump to shuck the shells! Can be found on the used market for around $200.

If you're willing to spend about $400 then I would strongly consider the Stoeger 2000 semi auto 12 guage. Excellent shot gun.

Tom

870! I've had one for 20 years and have never had a mechanical problem with it...EVER! I've killed everything from doves to squirrels to deer with it.

The NC Dept. of Corrections uses themas their standard issued weapon...I'm sure cost has a lot to do with that decision.

I asked this same question a few years back under a different name when i wanted my first shotgun. I went with the nova because of the way it felt to me. Remington didnt feel as comftorable in my hands as the Nova did. However i might look into a Winchester 1300 or Browning BPS if i had to do it all over again. I am still very pleased with my Nova dont get me wrong.

I agree about getting an auto-loader, less recoil, but she wants a pump...go figure. I'm not too concerned with spending some extra money for extra quality, but I want to make sure I'm getting quality. Unfortunately, the reality is that I've got to get a gun for about $400. I hadn't thought about the Winchester 1300, I'll check that out. I am still looking, but I appreciate all the help.

~Patrick

The browning bps is under or around $400. In my opinion,ya can't beat em.

Well we didn't get a gun this weekend. She tried out several models and the 870 in 20 ga still was the best fit. However, this wasn't exactly equal opportunity either. The problem seems to be that anything in 12 ga is just too big of a forestock for her small hands. We played with a win 1300 and I liked it, but it was a 12 ga model. I'm planning on going to Gander Mtn this week. They have a good selection of used guns, so maybe we can find one there. I appreciate all the suggestions, and welcome any more. Again tho she is small framed w/ small hands so it does limit the selection. Thanks guys.

~Patrick