The Huntress View Guide to Pheasant Shotguns for Women

[Guest Post]

In the world of outdoor sports, pheasant hunting has always been known as one of the most exhilarating, exciting hunts out there. This is thanks to a combination of the thrill of being out in the field and the challenge that comes with hitting such a quick, moving target like a flushed pheasant. 

Now, just like any other sport, having the right equipment is essential, so in this case, having the right shotgun. 

For any pheasant hunter, a poorly fitted shotgun can result in fatigue, inaccurate shooting, and excessive recoil, making the experience more frustrating than enjoyable. 

This can run especially true for women out in the field shooting pheasant, so we decided to dive into what a woman looking for a pheasant hunting shotgun should really look for.

Why Does Proper Shotgun Fit Matter?

Any hunter knows that having the proper pheasant hunting equipment can make or break any hunt, and particularly for women, a well-fitting shotgun can be even more crucial due to differences in body structure between men and women. 

Everything from arm lengths, hand size, and shoulder width all play into a shotgun fit, and with women typically being smaller than men in most cases, they are extremely important to consider.

Now when it comes to key factors in shotgun fit, women should be looking at the length of pull (LOP), which determines how comfortably a shooter can mount the gun, and drop at comb, which influences sight alignment. 

A shotgun with an adjustable comb or a reduced LOP can significantly improve comfort and control. 

Additionally, grip size, pitch angle, and cast (the angle of the stock in relation to the barrel) should all be taken into consideration if the hunter is looking for the perfect fit.

What are the Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Shotguns?

Unlike traditionally designed shotguns you typically see men use, women-specific shotguns feature unique modifications that help to improve both balance as well as comfort. 

The stocks on these shotguns are typically shorter, with a higher comb and a more refined pitch angle to accommodate a woman’s natural posture. 

The grip is often slimmer to suit smaller hands as well, with many models coming with reduced recoil systems to minimize any shoulder impact.

When it comes to some of the best women-friendly shotgun options out there, you really cannot get any better than what Browning and Winchester have to offer. 

The Browning Citori CX Micro is a prime example, featuring a shorter length of pull and an extremely well-balanced design for much smoother swings. 

Similarly, the Winchester SX4 Compact provides a more lightweight build and a soft recoil pad, making it a great choice for female hunters who are looking for some great comfort without sacrificing any power in the field.

Choosing the Right Gauge for Pheasant Hunting

The next important decision a female hunter needs to make is the gauge of their shotgun. 

The gauge is important for balancing power, weight, and recoil, with the two most popular shotgun gauges for pheasant hunting being the 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotgun.

Comparing 12-Gauge vs. 20-Gauge Shotguns for Women

First off, the 12-gauge is well-known for its versatility and stopping power, offering a more dense shot pattern and wider range. 

However, it tends to have higher recoil and a heavier frame, which may not be the best bet for all women hunting pheasant. The Browning Maxus II in 12-gauge, with its gas-operated action, is a great option for those wanting a 12-gauge with significantly reduced recoil, while still maintaining excellent performance.

On the other hand, the 20-gauge is a much lighter, more manageable option with reduced recoil, making it a fantastic choice for women who prefer ease of handling of stopping power. 

The Winchester SX4 Field Compact in a 20-gauge is a lightweight, fast-swinging shotgun that some consider the perfect option for pheasant hunting, with its ability to deliver effective performance without excessive kickback.

Understanding Shot Size and Load Selection

Continuing our journey down the list of pheasant shotgun considerations, next we have shot and load selection. 

When it comes down to it, shot selection can be just as critical as gauge choice. For pheasant hunting, #5 or #6 shot is widely recommended by experienced hunters, as it provides a good balance of pellet count and stopping power. 

Now, the harsh truth is that lead shot generally offers far better performance, but in areas where lead is restricted, steel or bismuth alternatives are the popular option.

Another piece that plays a role in shot effectiveness is velocity and penetration depth. A standard 2 ¾-inch shell with a velocity of around 1,250-1,350 FPS delivers consistent and reliable results, however, hunters facing longer-range shots may be better off using 3-inch shells for that added pellet energy and spread.

What are the Best Shotgun Styles for Women in Pheasant Hunting?

There are a variety of shotgun styles available, most of which are used for pheasant hunting, and each with its own distinct advantages for women hunters.

Top Over/Under Shotguns for Women

First on our list, over/under shotguns are a big favorite particularly for their precision and reliability. 

These beauties offer a straightforward break-action mechanism, making them easy to load and maintain. The Browning Citori 725 Feather stands out as a top choice, and for good reason, featuring a lightweight design and a nice, adjustable comb for a custom fit.

With a single-selective trigger and barrel selector, over/under shotguns allow hunters to quickly adapt to varying distances, which is perfect for pheasant hunts. The ability to use different chokes in each barrel only works to enhance their effectiveness in the field.

Top Semi-Automatic Shotguns for Women

Next up, semi-automatic shotguns provide highly sought-after rapid follow-up shots, as well as excellent recoil reduction. 

The Winchester SX4 Universal Hunter is an outstanding semi-auto option, utilizing a gas-operated system to minimize recoil while still maintaining a fast cycling speed.

Gas-operated shotguns tend to produce less noticeable recoil compared to their inertia-driven cousin models, making them a preferred choice for women who want a soft-shooting shotgun they can carry all day in the field.

Lightweight and Compact Shotgun Options

Lastly, for women with smaller frames, compact and lightweight shotgun options improve maneuverability and reduce fatigue for long days out flushing pheasant. 

The Browning Silver Field Micro Midas is designed with a shortened length of pull, a slimmer grip, and a recoil pad, making it one of the best options for female hunters who prefer a comfortable but high-performing shotgun.

Shotgun Fit and Customization for Women Hunters

Now that we've covered most of the basic aspects of pheasant hunting shotguns, lets get into fit and customizations.

Adjusting Stock and Length of Pull for Comfort

Stock adjustments are very important, as they greatly impact shooting accuracy and overall comfort. 

Length of pull (LOP) should always be adjusted to ensure a proper shoulder mount, which works to reduce strain and improve control. Many Browning and Winchester shotguns offer shims and adjustable stocks from the factory, which allow for fine-tuned customization, even in the field.

Recoil Management and Padding Options

Reducing recoil is another big win for female shooter, as it helps with shooting confidence and prevents shoulder fatigue. 

Using recoil pads, such as a LimbSaver or gel pad, absorbs impact and makes longer hunts more comfortable. Additionally, lighter loads and practicing proper shooting stance all work ti further minimize felt recoil.

Best Chokes for Pheasant Hunting

Last on our list for shotgun consideration is going to be the choke.

Understanding Shotgun Chokes and Their Impact

The choke on a shotgun controls the spread of shot pellets, and as a result, directly affects range and accuracy. 

For pheasant hunting, an improved cylinder choke is preferred by most hunters for close-range shots, while a modified choke provides a tighter pattern for mid-range shooting. Now, when it comes to long-distance shots, a full choke is the most effective, but may also be too restrictive for those fast-moving birds.

Interchangeable Choke Systems and Their Benefits

To answer the problem of not having the perfect choke, modern shotguns often feature interchangeable choke systems, allowing hunters to adapt to different conditions and the birds they are seeing in the field that day. 

The Browning Maxus II and Winchester SX4 both support a variety of choke tubes, giving female hunters some much-needed flexibility in the field.

Hunting Ethics and Safety Considerations

Just as with any type of hunting, there will always be an ethics and conservation discussion to be had, and that runs true for pheasants.

Ethical Shot Placement for Clean Kills

The idea of responsible hunting is to ensure humane kills when you’re out in the field. Now, the best shot placement for pheasants is at the vital zone, typically targeting the head or upper chest for a clean, quick kill. 

Typically hunters will avoid taking excessive-distance shots that could wound the bird without a fatal impact. These ethical considerations are a little more difficult with pheasant as opposed to something like a deer, as pheasant are much smaller targets and it is not uncommon for hunters to be shooting at more than one pheasant at a time. 

Firearm Safety and Handling Tips for Women

On the more important side, proper gun handling is extremely important for the safety of you and your fellow hunters. 

Best practices are to always practice muzzle control, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and use safe carrying positions in the field. 

Additionally, checking the chamber and safety switch before and after handling your shotgun is always a good way to prevent accidents.

For pheasant hunting, there are requirements for wearing certain fluorescent vests depending on where you hunt. If you are hunting public land, make sure to do your research and make sure you have the proper pheasant hunting equipment. If you are fortunate enough to be out with a pheasant hunting outfitter, the guides and professional hunters at the lodge will typically have what you need if you are short on any equipment.

Making Your Choice

At the end of the day, selecting the right shotgun is about more than just brand preference, it’s about fit, function, and confidence of use. 

Women who invest in a properly fitted shotgun benefit from better control, improved accuracy, and overall greater enjoyment in the field. 

Whether choosing an over/under like the Browning Citori CX Micro, a semi-automatic like the Winchester SX4 Universal Hunter, or a lightweight option like the Browning Silver Field Micro Midas, female hunters have some excellent choices on the market today that are designed exactly for their needs.