Shotguns are perfect for women who want a reliable weapon to take down any target, from pheasants to intruders.
Many well-meaning people may suggest specific shotguns for women based on the size and power of the weapon.
Most women would benefit from owning a full-sized shotgun.
However, it would be best to look for weapons with an adjustable stock and a smaller gauge weapon for more petite women.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a Shotgun For Women
When shopping for a shotgun, you should consider a few things before making a purchase, such as action type, gauge, and the platform of the weapon.
Action
Shotguns have a few different actions, including semi-automatic, pump, over/under, lever action, and automatic.
Each has its benefits and preferred uses.
Pump-action shotguns are reliable, affordable, and flexible.
Semi-Automatic shotguns offer a faster rate of fire, perfect for competitions, hunting, and home defense.
Break action shotguns are limited in round capacity but offer superior reliability.
Gauge
The lower the number, the larger the round.
Twelve gauge shotguns are perfect for all levels of hunting, from ducks to bucks.
These rounds offer the most power and distance, but have more recoil.
Sixteen gauge rounds offer a balance of power and recoil.
With a 16 gauge shotgun, you can take down deer and small game.
Twenty gauge shotguns offer the best recoil for precision shooting, but are not as powerful as larger rounds.
This gauge is perfect for small game hunting.
Platform
There are a few different weapon platforms to choose from.
With assault rifle platforms, you get the same controls as an AR-15 or AK with the benefits such as adjustable stocks and accessory rails.
Traditional platforms offer a traditional look and feel that any hunter can quickly get accustomed to.
Shotguns with pistol grip stocks offer improved control and reduced recoil.
Below are the 10 best shotguns for women.
#1. Franchi – Affinity 3.5 12 Gauge
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Capacity: 4-Round
- Barrel Length: 28”
- Overall Length: 49.5”
- Weight: 7 lbs
The Affinity 3.5 12 Gauge by Franchi is a semi-automatic 12 Gauge with some impressive features that make it stand out from the crowd.
Even though the Affinity 3.5 is a 12 gauge, it handles like a 20 gauge.
The shotgun has an inertia action, which allows you to have quick follow-up shots, and the TSA pad absorbs up to 50% of a shot’s recoil.
Other prominent features include a slim profile, a synthetic stock, and a removable internal balance with a 3.4 oz counterweight.
It comes with a choke tube wrench and three choke tubes, including IC, M, and F, for a custom spread.
The 28” chrome-lined barrel comes with a Cerakote finish with a ventilated-rib with upgraded fiber-optic sights.
You will have plenty of power to take down a deer or even hunt small game such as birds.
You have three finishes to choose from: Bottomland Camo, Bronze, and Max 5 Camo.
It also comes with a 7-year manufacturer warranty for the original owner.
If you are in the market for a smooth operating semi-automatic 3.5 12 gauge, the Affinity 3.5 12 Gauge by Franchi is an excellent choice.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#2. CZ-USA Redhead Premier 26″ 20 Gauge Shotgun 3″ Over Under
- Action: Over/Under
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Capacity: 2-Round
- Barrel Length: 26”
- Overall Length: 43.75”
- Weight: 6.7 lbs
The CZ-USA Redhead Premier 26” 20 Gauge Shotgun 3” Over Under is an all-purpose shotgun perfect for bird hunting or target shooting.
The 20 gauge design provides you with superior control with reduced recoil.
It is equipped with a 26” chrome finished barrel, a Turkish walnut stock, and a silver satin chrome receiver.
Its beautiful design includes detailed hand engravings with a brown finish.
You will have superior control over your shot spread with five different choke options.
The shotgun has a mechanical trigger, coil-operated hammers, selectable barrels, and an auto ejector.
If you are looking for a premium over/under shotgun to take your pheasant hunting or sport shooting to the next level, get the CZ-USA Redhead Premier 26” 20 Gauge Shotgun 3” Over Under today.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. Remington 870 Fieldmaster Compact Synthetic 20 Gauge
- Action: Pump
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Capacity: 4-Round
- Barrel Length: 21”
- Overall Length: 40.5”
- Weight: 6 lbs
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster Compact Synthetic 20 Gauge is an excellent shotgun for small game hunting.
The shotgun includes a synthetic stock, which is lightweight and durable.
You will experience reduced recoil with the 870 Fieldmaster making it perfect for fast follow-up shots while bird hunting or for home defense.
This pump-action shotgun has a four-round capacity perfect for small game hunting.
It features a softer rubber butt pad and improved action bars for smoother operation for enhanced control.
It also includes a full, modified, and IC chokes to customize your shot spread to fit any scenario.
If you are looking for an excellent shotgun for bird and small game hunting or have a smaller stature, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster Compact Synthetic 20 Gauge is perfect for you.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#4. Panzer Arms AR-Twelve 12 Gauge
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Capacity: 5-Round
- Barrel Length: 18.5”
- Overall Length: 39.75”
- Weight: 8.12 lbs
The AR-Twelve 12 Gauge by Panzer Arms is a high-performance semi-automatic shotgun with an AR-15 design.
The AR-15 design will help you transition easily to the AR-Twelve because of the matching controls and frame.
You can easily add any of your favorite attachments and optics with the full Picatinny rail up top and M-Lok anchoring points.
It also comes equipped with flip-up iron sights for those who do not prefer optics.
It includes a padded buttstock, an ergonomic pistol grip, and an adjustable cheek pad for improved comfort and control.
The shotgun is compatible with standard shotgun magazines and comes with two five-round magazines.
This shotgun is chambered for both 2 ¾” and 3” shells.
The AR-Twelve 12 Gauge by Panzer Arms makes the perfect shotgun for home defense or field operations with several features that increase fire rate, control, and accuracy.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#5. Blue Line 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Pump
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Capacity: 5-Round
- Barrel Length: 18”
- Overall Length: 37.25”
- Weight: 5.75 lbs
The Blue Line 12 Gauge by Blue Line Solutions LLC. is an excellent shotgun for those interested in a budget-friendly shotgun.
The Blue Line 12 Gauge is an entry-level shotgun compatible with a lot of aftermarket Remington 870 components.
Its upgradeability allows you to purchase the Blue Line 12 at an excellent price and upgrade it as you grow as a hunter.
The short 37.25” overall length and its 5.75-pound weight make it the perfect twelve-gauge compact for those with smaller statures.
It comes equipped with a polymer stock, and the upper and lower metal components have a nice matte black finish.
The rounds are tubular loaded and have a five-round capacity.
This shotgun is perfect for the first-time hunter or those that want an affordable home defense shotgun.
The main selling points for the Blue Line 12 Gauge by Blue Line Solutions LLC. are its affordability and ability for customization.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#6. Komrad 12 Gauge 12.5″ W/ Brace
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Capacity: 5-Round
- Barrel Length: 12.5”
- Overall Length: 31.5”
- Weight: 7.85 lbs
The Komrad 12 GA 12/5” W/Brace by Kalashnikov USA is the perfect shotgun for those who want serious firepower in a small package.
It has a 12.5” barrel and an overall length of 31.5”, making it perfect for those who want a tighter workspace.
This shotgun really shines in tactical, sports, hunting, or home defense scenarios with its ability to customize the weapon with upgraded components and high-capacity magazines.
With an adjustable SBA3 pistol brace, pistol grip, and optics rails, you can outfit your shotgun in any way you want.
The shotgun comes equipped with a polymer foregrip right out of the box, and the front end of the weapon has several rails for additional accessories.
It also comes with a black hardshell case and two five-round Kalashnikov brand magazines.
If you want a semi-automatic compact 12 gauge with a Saiga-Style platform, the Komrad 12 GA 12/5” W/Brace by Kalashnikov USA is a must buy.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#7. Rock Island VR82 Semi Auto 20 Gauge Shotgun
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Capacity: 5-Round
- Barrel Length: 18”
- Overall Length: 38”
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
The VR82 Semi Automatic 20 Gauge Shotgun by Rock Island Armory is an excellent AR-15 style shotgun that is lightweight and powerful.
Its chambered 3” 20 gauge design provides improved recoil control than a 12 gauge, while its lightweight design provides fast handling and control.
Its hardware is constructed with 7075 T6 Aluminum for a durable and lightweight platform, and the grip and stock are crafted out of heavy-duty polymer.
The VR82s stock capacity is five rounds because of the magazine, but you can buy aftermarket magazines for up to twenty rounds.
Its grip and buttstock are a single component with a rubber butt pad for improved control and comfort.
The shotgun comes equipped with polymer flip-up sights, or you could use the included Picatinny rail up top to add your favorite optic.
On the front end, it includes M-Lok anchoring points and Picatinny rails near the muzzle.
It comes with a modified, full, cylinder chokes and the tool to swap them out for customized shot spreads.
If you are looking for a semi-automatic 20 Gauge for hunting or competition shooting, the VR82 Semi Automatic 20 Gauge Shotgun by Rock Island Armory is a top pick.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. Savage Arms Stevens 555 E 16 Gauge Over/Under Action Shotgun
- Action: Over/Under
- Gauge: 16 Gauge
- Capacity: 2-Round
- Barrel Length: 28”
- Overall Length: 45.5”
- Weight: 6.45 lbs
Savage Arms Stevens 555 E 16 Gauge Over/Under-Action Shotgun is a beautiful over/under perfect for clay shooting or bird hunting.
It has a gorgeous imperial walnut stock and a silver, scroll-engraved filigree ornament receiver.
However, this shotgun is more than just looks.
It is equipped with a 28” carbon steel chrome-lined barrel, an auto ejector, a selective mechanical trigger, and five interchangeable chokes.
A Benefit of an over/under is the ability to have a different choke in each chamber to custom the spread of each shot.
Another benefit of the over/under design is the improved durability and reliability.
It will not jam, and a properly taken care of shotgun will last nearly forever.
The unique 16 gauge design is more prevalent in Europe, but it offers an excellent balance of power with reduced recoil.
If you want a beautiful over/under shotgun perfect for bird hunting and clay shooting, the Savage Arms Stevens 555 E 16 Gauge Over/Under-Action Shotgun is ideal for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#9. Mossberg 500 Combo Turkey/Deer 12 Gauge Shotgun 3″ Pump
- Action: Pump
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Capacity: 5-Round
- Barrel Length: 24”
- Overall Length: 43.5”
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
The Mossberg 500 Combo Turkey/Deer 24”/24” 12 Gauge Shotgun 3” Pump is one of the most reliable shotguns you could own for hunting season.
This model offers game-specific features that can take your shooting to the next level.
It will operate smoothly with dual extractors, positive steel-to-steel lockup, twin action bars, and an anti-jam elevator.
It comes with dual 24” barrels designed specifically for deer and turkey hunting.
They crafted the shotgun with a synthetic stock, and it comes with the XX-Full, and Fully Rifled Bore Chokes for improved performance.
This shotgun comes with a beautiful Mossy Oak Break-Up Country finish.
If you want a shotgun specifically designed for deer or turkey hunting, the Mossberg 500 Combo Turkey/Deer 24”/24” 12 Gauge Shotgun 3” Pump is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#10. Remington 870 Express 12 Gauge 18.5″ Tactical Pump Shotgun
- Action: Pump
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Capacity: Six 2 3/4” or Five 3”
- Barrel Length: 18.5”
- Overall Length: 38.5”
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
The Remington 870 Express 12 GA 18.5” Tactical Pump Shotgun has been the industry standard in the field for over sixty years.
It is a standard 12 gauge pump with a fixed 18.5” barrel with a pedestal bead sight and a receiver milled from a solid billet of steel and silky-smooth twin action bars that prevent binding and twisting.
When loaded 2 ¾” rounds, you can load up to six rounds and up to five rounds for 3” rounds.
They equip it with a matte black synthetic stock with a butt pad for added comfort and control.
If you are looking for a shotgun that has been relied on by the military, police, and millions of owners at an affordable price, the Remington 870 Express 12 GA 18.5” Tactical Pump Shotgun is an excellent pick.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
References
Tips For Buying Your First Shotgun
Pump Vs. Semi: Which Shotgun Is Better For Personal Defense?
See Also
9 Best AR-10 (.308 Caliber) Rifles
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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