There are a lot of good comments above. I'll add some of my experience as an instructor.

Knoxx stocks are great in a lot of ways but a really good cheek weld can cause an abrasion. I've seen it a few times with smaller officers.

A lever gun in 357 or 44 is probably a very good solution. Even in a '92 style gun, the recoil isn't bad at all. They're pretty simple to use, also. If you're set on a shotgun and your wife is willing to put some work in, I'd strongly suggest the Beretta 1301. It's the softest shooting SG on the market, but familiarization will take some practice.

Also, when it comes to long gun recoil management:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eVHl-fBB-0

I've had a lot of success with this technique. One of our female officers who weighs just a bit over three digits started using the technique and doesn't fear yearly quals nearly as much anymore.

Why slugs? Get her a 20 Gauge. She’ll shoot it & well.

I agree, if she is recoil sensitive, get a 20 gauge. There is little difference between a 12 and 20 gauge for what you want to use it for. A 5/8 oz foster slug from a 20 gauge will have significantly less felt recoil than a full pressure 1 oz 12 gauge slug. And for what you want to use if for, it will be plenty potent. Black bears aren't that tough. And men even less so. You don't need the heaviest slug load you can find for what you've described.

If you are stuck with a 12 gauge, Remington Managed Recoil slugs will be fine for your duty.

Your wife has to be confident in the gun and able to get of a second shot quickly if necessary. A 20 gauge or a managed recoil 12 gauge slug will scarcely cause the muzzle to rise above the target, even for a petite shooter, and will have all the power you or she needs.

quote:

Originally posted by Micropterus:
Remington Managed Recoil

Remington still makes ammo?

quote:

Originally posted by rburg:

quote:

Originally posted by Micropterus:
Remington Managed Recoil

Remington still makes ammo?

Yep. Remington Arms and Remington Ammo are two separate companies now and AFAIK Remington Ammo never stopped production. They've been cranking it out. I get their emails several times a week. Of all the "Notify Me" lists I'm on at the various ammo sellers, it's mostly Remington that becomes available.

Winchester Ranger reduced recoil slugs. I bought some on our forum, super easy to handle.