[sammy]

Hello all, got my trusty Benelli Supernova out to Targetmasters West in Milpitas, CA tonight. I am in love....:rolleyes: I never knew a shotgun could be so much fun and I was shooting paper. 15 yards is as far as they let me get and they only allow birdshot. The guy at the counter tells me that they only allow 1 type of target, a full size silhouette. I was a little peeved but I saw why later. The gun has no choke, cylinder they call it I think which is great for HD but not much else (HD is the main purpose). I go to lane 10, setup my huge target, load up my black beauty, line up the sights and squeeze. BOOM!!!!!! Wow, at 15 yards my spread is 14" or more, I rack another, and another..... After 1 box my shoulder felt like it was going to fall off, I wanted more but my body says no. I am holding the gun tight, but not too tight. I think I will look into a recoil pad for my next outing. Cant wait to shoot some jugs I have saved in the garage, Thanks for listening, Sammy :D

[Brian Dale]

Good for you. You wrote that,I am holding the gun tight, but not too tight.Were you pulling it firmly into your shoulder pocket? That helps me.

Now buy lots of Value Packs of ammo, and follow the THR Shotgun Mantra. :D

[Dave McCracken]

Glad you had fun,Sammy.A couple things.....

The Novas are decent shotguns, Light weight in a shotgun is a mixed blessing. Easy to carry means it kicks a little harder.

Until you get your form optimized, use the lightest loads you can find. An oz will work, 7/8 oz will work even better.

The old threat, "Proper Mounting Techniques" may hold some tips that will help you.

Make sure you're behind your shotgun. Don't do a rifleman stance 90 degrees to the target. With the body behind the shotgun, you have greater flexibility and the recoil energy goes into the whole upper body with the spine acting as a spring to soften the kick.

Find a trap, SC or skeet range close by and try some moving targets. Lots of fun and great practice.

[Stretchman]

Rumor has it that not only should you hold it tight to your shoulder pocket, but you should also hold it away with the front hand somewhat, almost as if you are putting different pressures on each end of the gun.

Or maybe it's the other way around. Pulling it in with the forearm, and holding off a little with the trigger hand. Not sure. I'll try both and see which one causes me to scream.

I called the outside range today, and they said that my prospects are way better during the week, so I will definitely be taking a trip down there. Want to try my hand at some longer range stuff. And take a look at the skeet/trap setup.

Trying to find reduced recoil rounds anywhere in the county is proving to be fruitless. May have to go south for them. Tried ordering off the internet. Don't think those people want to even talk to me. I'll have to wait and see.