Is the Wallyworld Rem 1100 a possible fit for my wife?

[Steve Smith]

She's 5' 6" and about 135 lbs, mostly long strong legs, and hourglass figure. Her torso is very short, and her arm strength is better than most women's, but far from a man's. She's about 13" from inside the elbow to the first joint on her trigger finger. Should we go to look at the Wallyworld special?

[Dave McC]

The shotgun itself may be a bit much for a first gun, Steve. It weighs well over 7 lbs and that stock is PROBABLY a bit long for her.

The 1100 did have a Youth Model briefly in 20 ga, and shorter stocks may be had from the company and aftermarket vendors. But length is only one of several factors in proper stock fit.

Another factor pertaining expecially to women is toe out. Women are built different than men in the chest area(Yeah, a news flash) and the standard butt oft impinges on soft tissue. Rounding off the toe of the pad or slanting the pad slightly out at the toe or both will be way more comfortable for most females.

If your range of choice has rental shotguns, she may want to try out a few before committing cash and time to the process.

Some ranges and clubs have instruction available, and there's even women's classes. She may find a shotgun that she likes htis way, as well as better input than we can give over the Net.

HTH, feel free to ask any other questions you have...

[K80Geoff]

Dave...Remington still lists the 1100 Youth model. They even have one in Turkey camo!

Many shotgun coaches recommend starting women out with the youth gun. It's light weight, mild recoil and ease of handling are a good fit for smaller statured women.

Bear in mind the gun may have to be altered, I highly recommend getting a few lessons from the club pro, if he/she is good they will fit the gun to your wife or make recommendations as to what to do.

Would you start skiing or golf without lessons first? Shotgunning is the same, a few lessons in the beginning will go a long way towards making the sport enjoyable.

Steve, you aren't from NY are you? Fess up if you are :)


Geoff Ross

[Gary H]

Just bought a Wally World 1100 ($328) for my 4'9 1/2" wife and was able to cut the stock to a LOP of 12 1/2". This IS the shortest possible LOP with this gun. Very soft shooter.

[Steve Smith]

Dave and everyone else, thanks for the comments!

No, I'm in Colorado. I'm from North Carolina.

[K80Geoff]

For a minute there I thought you were another Steve Smith I know. He has a strange sense of humor :D He is also one great shotgunner.


Geoff Ross