Newbie shotgun Q's

[elephant_man]

I fired a shotgun for the first time a few days ago. It was a cheap-o Higgins/Sears Model 200 (or model 20? I don't really know!). I shot at a giant Folgers can and really ripped it to shreds :D Fun!

One thing I didn't like was the recoil. I've been thinking maybe I should get a Winchester 1200 with just a straight grip, no stock. I've seen these types of grips at Cabelas, so they MUST be legal, right? Is there a minimum OAL that I can only install these on?

I'm also curious about slugs. The barrel of my Model 200 seems thin and I have noticed that some shotguns have thin-looking barrels. Is it safe to use slugs in these type of barrels? I imagine that slugs should only be used in heavy barrels...

Thanks!

[RNB65]

Shotgun barrels must be a mimimum of 18" and OAL at least 26" to be legal.

If you're worried about recoil, get an autoloader. They kick significantly less than a pump because the cycling of the action absorbs some of the recoil and spreads it over a longer time interval.

If you don't like recoil, forget about slugs. Nothing kicks like a slug. You can shoot slugs out of any shotgun, but I've got to warn you slugs HURT.

[SASS#23149]

A pistol grip stock is NOT the answer for taming or getting used to recoil.
A good fitting gun is more important,and NOT shooting slugs or buckshot in the beginning is a good idea also.They will just teach you how to say OUCH!!! a lot.
A box of number 8's will rip up tin cans right nicely,and be a lot easier on the shoulder.Then 'graduate' to number 6's,and then on up the ladder....if you must.I choose not to.My shoulders just won't take it anymore,dang it.
Welcome to shotgunning!!!!!

[B yond]

I've heard good things about the recoil-absorbing stocks from Knoxx Industries. I don't own any, but supposedly they cut felt recoil in half.
http://www.knoxx.com/NewStyleKnoxx/Products/ProductReview.htm

[wdlsguy]

You can get reduced-recoil slugs, such as this offering by Remington (http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/shotshell/slugs/slugger_managed-Recoil_rifled.asp), that make shooting slugs more comfortable.

[aquapong]

Regular buckshot and slugs kick pretty hard. Try the reduced recoil buck/slugs. Make sure you shoot rifled slugs in a cylinder or improved cylinder barrel and regular slugs in a rifled barrel. If you were shooting anything other than buckshot or slugs and the recoil was too much, man up.

[Dave McCracken]

First, a PG only shotgun works best in movies. Real world performance is awful.

Second, a Knoxx stock may reduce discomfort. A standard stock fitted and used with good form definitely will.

Get the shotgun of your choice with a real stock that fits. Get a lesson from someone who can teach. Use light loads. BA/UU/R until you're deadly.

Voila! You're a shotgunner and not just some guy who owns a shotgun....

[wdlsguy]

I suggest looking for a LimbSaver recoil pad that fits your shotgun.

I finally got a chance to try my new LimbSaver (Remington R3) recoil pad yesterday. No bruising whatsoever after shooting reduced recoil slugs from a bench with my Remington 870.

[Remmi]

slugs HURT.

Thank God Almighty he didn't try using them in a ol' Double-Barrel first.

They'd find parts of his shoulder two counties away.

[SASS#23149]

and only once.
well,twic since i shot both barrels..1 at a time of course.
It was a Rossi coach gun of all things,and it just seemed like it might be way to see what a double rifle might feel like.
YEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAA that thing let me have it.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11:what:

sure rang the crap out of the steel plate though.!!!:D

[Nematocyst]

A standard stock fitted and used with good form definitely will.Translation.

Good fit: If you are an average sized person, then a shotgun with average LOP (length of pull) should fit you. If you are smaller than average (e.g., 5' 4") or larger ( 6' 4"), consider a different stock.

Good form: Mount the shotgun so that the butt plate fits your shoulder, even in a fast (e.g., emergency) situation. One way to accomplish that is to practice this as you mount the shotgun: push it away from your body (especially when wearing extra winter clothing), then raise it up to your shoulder in circular fashion as the push reaches the limit of your arms' length.

Good form: Pull the shotgun tightly into your shoulder, so that there is no "play" between butt plate and shoulder. Snug that baby in there. Lean forward into the shot as you squeeze the trigger.

With good fit and form, for an average sized adult, even with 12 ga full loads (not reduced recoil), the recoil should be managable.

If not, review the fit of the shotgun and your form with it.

Nem-870