Load/shell for 130lb young lady

[twyoung0]

My female "partner" (politically correct, don't want to insult "experimenters") has a 24'' Moss 535 12ga which has the collapsible stock. She is 5'4' 130lb  (don't tell her I told you) and wants to turkey hunt. I am not sure what shell and even choke for that matter. I don't want a tight choke and don't want to break her little shoulder either. I was thinking of using a stock full choke with those Remington Express 2 3/4'' high brass #5's. I use those quite a bit and they have some sponk to them.

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

[Skeeterbait]

Let her shoot light field loads to teach her about the shotgun.  Never let her shoot a turkey shell except at a turkey.  At least that is what I have done with my wife and it has worked well.  For her I stocked up on some Winchester Xtended Range 2.75" number 6 shells and she shoots a youth size model 500 with Akita adjustable stock, 20" barrel, with Indian Creek .660 choke.  It has a good 40 yard effective range.  A few of those shells are still around if you look for them.

Sportsman's Guide has 2.75" XRHD in #6 and #5

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/10-rds-winchester-12-gauge-2-3-4-1-1-2-oz-supreme-elite-extended-range-hi-density-turkey-shotshells.aspx?a=561023

[chadly]

My wife is 105 dripping wet and she has no problem shooting 12ga rather it be turkey load or slug.  As suggested though I have her shoot target loads for practice and only the real thing when needed.  It's important for her to understand the pattern and how to hold the gun.  My son just shot his first bird and he is 51lbs.  I had him practicing with a bb gun just to make sure he could hit what he was aiming at.  I did not want to educate him on the kick.  he did great.  I hope she gets a nice bird.

[trackerbucky]

I agree with using target loads for practice.  Don't forget good ear protection when practicing too. A good part of recoil effect is due to noise. I always make sure novices wear both ear plugs and muffs and I think it helps reduce perceived recoil.

[Dtrkyman]

hevi shot has a reduced recoil load!

[Kylongspur88]

The sound scares my wife more than the kick. She shoots a 20 most of the time, but has shot a 3in #6. A good recoil pad and ear protection goes a long way.

[Bigspurs68]

Let her practice with light loads. Give her a turkey load that shoots best out of that gun to hunt with. She won't feel the recoil. How often do any of us remember the recoil when we shoot critters? For the most part, never.

[Bigspurs68]

And, as said above, hearing protection. I completely agree, lack of good hearing protection will cause many bad shooting habits.

[DirtNap647]

Let her shoot light field loads to teach her about the shotgun.  Never let her shoot a turkey shell except at a turkey.  At least that is what I have done with my wife and it has worked well.  For her I stocked up on some Winchester Xtended Range 2.75" number 6 shells and she shoots a youth size model 500 with Akita adjustable stock, 20" barrel, with Indian Creek .660 choke.  It has a good 40 yard effective range.  A few of those shells are still around if you look for them.

Sportsman's Guide has 2.75" XRHD in #6 and #5

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/10-rds-winchester-12-gauge-2-3-4-1-1-2-oz-supreme-elite-extended-range-hi-density-turkey-shotshells.aspx?a=561023

[Old Gobbler]

When I was younger I shot a mossberg 835 , and I was only 125 lbs -- I then moved onto shooting a sp10 -- your girlfriend can shoot any shotgun under the sun

[R AJ]

Since you spoke of a more open choke and #5 loads, consider using #6 or even #7.5 shot. If you go with the hevi-shot or any heavier than lead shell the shot size can be #6 or #7 and still provide the energy of a #5 lead load assuming certain velocities.

Good for you to think of the lady, especially her shoulder. If she really likes this , consider a 20 gauge semi-auto for next year but be warned that this may show signs of a more serious commitment in the relationship. I'm speaking of turkey hunting of course.

[twyoung0]

Thanks, she is very comfortable with her 12ga. We shoot X card all winter long. She never beats me of course . So I was more concerned with a high brass 2.75 and what choke?