Female Shotgun Advice

[SixPoint]

After getting my young lab dialed in on upland birds last fall I found my wife thoroughly enjoying the hunt. From watching our dog work the birds to spending time in the outdoors together it was a great new experience for the both of us. On our last outing she even asked if she could try shooting my shotgun... she's a small framed but tough gal and seeing her trying to handle my 1187 was awkward to say the least. nonetheless she blasted off numerous rounds trying to get the feel for it. About all she got was a big bruise on her shoulder.

So my question is, I'd like to purchase her a shotgun that fits her properly and doesn't break my bank account. The length of pull on my Remington is way too long for her. I'm sure there's been numerous other husbands that have gone down this same road. Do I purchase a youth sized gun or buy full sized and have a gunsmith cut it down. 20 or 12 gauge. Auto, Pump or over/under...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to try and keep the total price at or below $500 and I am certainly open to purchasing used.

I guess time flies when you’re having fun. Can’t believe this was going on 9 years ago. My lab is still around and loves to hunt albeit a bit slower these days. We’ve added two boys to our house so my wife’s time for bird hunting has been minimal. That being said she started shooing trap this summer to get back into the swing of things. I ended up finding a barely used Franchi 48AL in 20ga at the Bozeman Bob Wards that someone was really ready to get rid of. It fits her pretty good and is incredibly light. The recoil is a bit goofy as the entire barrel slides back into the action when cycling a round. I currently have an old benelli super 90 that I found at Ronan Sports and Wester, before it turned into a pot shop, that someone had as a safe queen and was in pristine condition. I’d love to find one of these or a used monefeltro in a 20 for my wife at some point. Good luck in your search.