Fine figure of a lady’s firearm
As more women take up shooting, makers are now producing excellent ladies’ guns, says Olympic shooter Georgina Roberts.
It’s great to see more women take up the shooting sport and I love that the market is now large enough for gun manufacturers to respond with products specifically designed with women in mind. I’ve always been a firm believer that labelling guns as being ‘for women’ is a marketing ploy, however after writing this article I now feel thankful to have been challenged on this and would absolutely be happy to recommend them to others.
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. Whilst you can always get stocks adjusted or custom-made (and I am a huge advocate for this), it can be so helpful to have something ‘there or thereabouts’ straight off the shelf.
Best value gun for women
The ATA SP Ladies Black Universal is a brilliant option for those who are just starting out or those who want great value on a tighter budget and, at £699.99 as new, I don’t think anyone can argue that this 12 gauge offers just that.
The ATA SP Ladies Black Universal is part of the SP range, which has garnered positive reviews for its performance and value. The gun weighs around 6.2lbs, this makes it easy to carry, particularly if you’re shooting live quarry. I personally prefer a heavier gun due to its impact on recoil, but this isn’t true for everyone. For those who are looking for an entry-level or mid-range shotgun that doesn’t break the bank, the ATA SP Ladies Black Universal is a brilliant choice.
Strengths:
- Affordable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of women
- Comfortable handling with a well-balanced design
- Multi-choked for various shooting disciplines
Weaknesses:
- Not as refined as higher priced equivalents which is to be expected
- I personally find the chequering quite harsh, but this is easy to sand down
Best game gun for women
I’m a big fan of Krieghoff, I love their attention to detail and the finish of their guns is really something. The Krieghoff K20 Victoria is no exception to this, a high-end over-and-under 20 gauge shotgun tailored for women who value both performance and craftsmanship.
Krieghoff’s K20 Victoria is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and performance. It features a scaled-down action compared to its K80 counterpart, making it more suitable for smaller-framed shooters. The gun’s stock dimensions are tailored specifically for women, ensuring a comfortable fit and improved shooting experience.
The K20 Victoria’s lightweight design, typically around 6.5 lbs, makes it easy to handle if you’re out in the field. Its balance lies beautifully over the hinge point of the action and is carefully engineered to provide excellent manoeuvrability. While the higher price tag may deter some, it’s an investment you wouldn’t be disappointed with.
Strengths:
- Exceptional build quality and attention to detail
- Customisable to fit individual shooters
- Lightweight design for ease of handling
- Superior balance and pointability
Weaknesses:
- High price point may be prohibitive for some shooters
- Limited availability
Best competition gun for women
The Caesar Guerini Julia Syren Sporting is by far the most unique aesthetically, boasting a case colour hardened finish and a side-plate action, blending Italian craftsmanship with features tailored for female shooters, such as an adjustable monte-carlo stock.
Caesar Guerini’s Julia Syren Sporting model is designed to cater to the specific needs of women without compromising on aesthetics or performance. The gun features a shortened length of pull, typically around 13.9 inches and the stock features a drop at the nose and the drop at the heel is 35/45 respectively.
The Julia is available in both 28 and 30 inch barrels which are both high-performance and therefore steel proof, which will be essential when the lead ban eventually comes into play. The Caesar Guerini has got a beautiful finish overall, not only the wood to metal fit, but overall finish of the gun.
Strengths:
- Intricate and elegant design
- Excellent balance and handling characteristics
- Customisable stock options to achieve a great fit
- Competition-spec gun suitable for various shooting disciplines
Weaknesses:
- Mid to higher price point compared to entry-level options
Best premium gun for women
I have to state before I write this, I’m a little biased towards Perazzi. I’ve shot Perazzi for the past eight years and it’s a brand I love fiercely. For me, the Perazzi High Tech Elle represents the pinnacle of competition-grade shotguns designed for women. It’s a gun that will see you throughout 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 point puts it out of reach for many shooters, those who compete at high levels will appreciate the Elle’s uncompromising performance and customization options.
Strengths:
- Exceptional performance suitable for high-level competition and game shooting
- Designed with a wider action to aid recoil management
- Fantastic wood to metal finish
Weaknesses:
- High price point
Best all-round gun for women
The Beretta Silver Pigeon 1 Sporting Vittoria completes my 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 tag. 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, from 3 barrel lengths to choose from, as well as the option to have a fixed or adjustable stock. Weighing in at around 7.5 lbs it feels well balanced, with the mass of the gun sitting equally within the hands, enabling for smooth movement and the weight lessens perceived recoil.
Strengths:
- Available in 32,30 and 28 inch barrels
- Smaller pistol grip for a more comfortable position
- Great for both clay and game
Weaknesses:
- Finish isn’t as good as others
Conclusion
In conclusion, the market we find ourselves in quite literally has something for everyone in relation to women’s guns, with multiple options to suit different preferences, shooting styles, and budgets. From the affordable ATA SP Ladies Black Universal to the luxury Perazzi High Tech Elle, there’s a shotgun to meet the needs of every female shooter. When choosing a gun as a woman or for a woman, consider factors such as fit, weight, intended use, and budget to find the perfect match for shooting requirements.
Remember, the best shotgun is the one that fits you well and gives you confidence on the range or in the field. Many manufacturers offer customisation services, which can be invaluable in ensuring your chosen gun is perfectly fitted and shoots where you’re looking. Regardless of which model you choose, practice and good technique will always be key to improving your shooting performance.
