Pick a Game Gun: Practical choices for the season
Expert advice on finding a game shotgun that fits, points well and suits real field use
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Women shooters now have a wide range of shotguns designed for their needs, often featuring shorter stocks, reduced weight and tailored ergonomics for a perfect fit.
It’s great to see more women take up shooting and the market is now large enough for gun manufacturers to respond with products specifically designed with women in mind. Walk onto any peg or stand by the trap at a clay ground and you will see the same truth play out time and again: women shoot the guns that suit them. The most important lesson in gun buying is that fit trumps everything. When a shotgun comes to the shoulder naturally, when it moves smoothly with the target, when it feels steady but not cumbersome, that is the gun you will shoot well.
As a rule of thumb, guns designed for women typically feature shorter stocks, reduced weight and ergonomic designs that are tailored with a woman’s figure in mind. While you can always get stocks adjusted or custom-made, it can be so helpful to have something ‘there or thereabouts’ straight off the shelf.
Manufacturers have recognised the needs of female shooters and produced dedicated lines. Beretta’s Vittoria range, Browning’s B525 Ladies Sporter and Blaser’s F16 Intuition all offer shorter stocks, altered pitch and lighter barrels designed to fit more comfortably out of the box. For many women these are the perfect solution and an excellent starting point. Here, we have selected six female-friendly options to suit any budget.
Here are solid field choices that cover value and premium options. Each entry links to the manufacturer or retailer for more detail.
Krieghoff’s attention to detail and the finish of its guns is really something. The Krieghoff K20 Victoria is no exception to this, being a high-end over-and-under 20-bore shotgun tailored for women who value performance and craftsmanship.
Krieghoff’s K20 Victoria is renowned for precisely these attributes. It features a scaled-down action compared with its K80 counterpart, making it more suitable for smaller-framed shooters. The gun’s stock dimensions are tailored specifically for women, ensuring it delivers a comfortable fit and an improved shooting experience.
The K20 Victoria’s lightweight design, typically around 6.5lb, makes it easy to handle if you’re out in the field. Its balance lies beautifully over the hinge point of the action and it is carefully engineered to provide excellent manoeuvrability. While the higher price may deter some, it’s an investment you wouldn’t be disappointed with.
The Franchi Instinct Catalyst is an over‑and‑under shotgun designed to offer better fit, ergonomics and feel for women and users with smaller frames, while maintaining full performance. Franchi has made adjustments to the stock dimensions (drop, cast, pitch, length of pull and grip length) so that the gun aligns more naturally with the typical body proportions of many women shooters.
While most commonly offered with 28in barrels, Catalyst versions in 26in barrels are available depending on the model. Neither version feels too bulky either; the 28in version weighs around 7.2lb and the 26in version is around 6.8lb. The gun feels well balanced, swings naturally, and the ergonomics make for comfortable shoulder mounting, especially for those who find many standard stock guns too long or too bulky.
The trigger pull, ejectors, finish and general craftsmanship are good too. The 3in chambering allows use of heavier loads (for game) plus the option of lighter loads (clays, field), steel or lead depending on the situation.
The Z‑Bella is a premium over‑and‑under shotgun crafted specifically with women shooters in mind. It’s part of Zoli’s Z‑Gun line, behind which are two full years of design and R&D devoted to making a shotgun whose dimensions and features are adapted for the female form without compromising competition‑level performance.
All stock dimensions are adapted: pistol grip, drop, length of pull, pitch and cast are tailored, and the gun includes an adjustable comb. These features help with correct eye alignment and better shoulder mounting. Finished with a choice of silver or black action, the Z-Bella features deep scroll engraving and Swarovski crystals integrated into the action. There is also a Vintage version with enhanced finish.
In terms of how it handles, users generally report excellent fit for shooters with smaller frames, pleasant balance, very good finish, and that the options for customisation assist greatly in achieving personal comfort and accuracy. The look is obviously extravagant, but many find that it’s not just cosmetics – it shoots like a serious competition piece.ornamentation. Built with features such as a single selective trigger, selective ejectors, fixed or multichokes depending on the variant, and chamber lengths of 2¾″, the S686 offers both tradition and utility. Its handling is smooth: point‑and‑shoot friendly. The ergonomics suit a wide range of shooters—semi‑pistol grip stocks, balanced weight that isn’t so heavy as to slow swing on crossing birds but enough to carry steady on driven days.
The Venus is Rizzini’s first dedicated women’s sporting/game gun, brought into the UK by ASI. It uses Rizzini’s rounded (round‑body) action, combining Italian craftsmanship with design features intended to suit shooters who have smaller frames or lighter builds.
The gun comes in various bore options, with barrel lengths around 28in and 29in for the game version. The gun fit includes a non‑adjustable Monte Carlo stock and a swept‑back game‑style handgrip, similar to a Prince of Wales style. The forend is slim, intended to be more comfortable for smaller hands.
The Venus offers good handling with mild recoil for its class – especially considering the weight (7lb 12oz) – and it moves nicely into the shoulder. The trigger pull is crisp and the finish and engraving are executed to notably high manufacturing and aesthetic standards. The wood is a good grade of Turkish walnut.
For many, the Perazzi High Tech Elle represents the pinnacle of competition-grade shotguns designed for women. It’s a gun that will see you through your shooting career should you wish it to.
Perazzi’s High Tech Elle is a testament to the company’s commitment to producing world-class competition shotguns. This model is specifically tailored for female shooters, featuring stock dimensions and balance points optimised for women’s physiques.
The High Tech Elle boasts Perazzi’s renowned action, known for its reliability and smooth operation. The gun’s weight distribution and balance are carefully engineered to provide excellent swing and follow-through. While its price puts it out of the reach of some shooters, those who compete at high levels will appreciate the Elle’s uncompromising performance and reliable customisation options.
The Beretta Silver Pigeon 1 Sporting Vittoria completes the list as a versatile option and is probably the best all-rounder for those on a budget.
Beretta’s Silver Pigeon 1 Sporting Vittoria is designed to offer women the option of a solid gun without the high price. The gun features a Monte Carlo stock with dimensions tailored for female shooters, including a shorter length of pull and adjusted cast and pitch, making it comfortable to shoot.
The Vittoria comes with plenty of options, with three barrel lengths to choose from, as well as the option to have a fixed or adjustable stock. Weighing in at around 7.5lb it feels well balanced, with the mass of the gun sitting equally between the hands, enabling smooth movement, and the weight lessens perceived recoil.
What unites all these models is not necessarily a label, but a feeling. They fit well, handle naturally, and allow the shooter to concentrate on the target, not the tool.
For anyone considering buying a first shotgun or upgrading to something new, this is an ideal moment. Manufacturers have invested heavily in dedicated ladies’ lines and versatile standard models, while gunmakers and dealers are offering more opportunities than ever to try different options. From open demo days to private fitting sessions, the modern shooter has the tools to find a gun that feels as if it was made for them.
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