Yep! While not optimum in terms of effectiveness, a good 20-gauge pump still makes for a very useable solution for small-statured folks. Like Jbirds, I'd never want to leave a family member a .38 with snakeshot for defense, but a 20-gauge, 18- or 20-inch barrel shotgun would be just fine.Excaliber wrote:A full stock shotgun is much easier to shoot well than a folder or pistol grip version. If recoil is an issue with your current gun, and reduced loads don't do the trick, you might consider getting your wife her own 16 or 20 gauge gun.
If recoil with a 20-gauge might still be intimidating, you can pair a 20-gauge Winchester or Mossberg 88 with a CompStock (http://www.blackhawk.com/product/CompSt ... 55,165.htm). For many purposes, I really like these stocks, even though they'll add another hundred bucks to your purchase. A CompStock on a 20-gauge will make for pretty comfortable practice even for those who might be recoil shy.