[Sheepdog1968]

As I've gotten older, the 12 gauge shotgun recoil from my pump was more than I wanted to endure. I put a Knox stock on the pump and it's now acceptable recoil (not that I will ever mistake it for a .22).

I'm interest in getting a semi-auto shotgun. The biggest criteria I have is the sofetest 12 gauge recoil. I'm disinclined to go with a 20 gauge. I don't care about cost.

For those of you have shot multiple semi's, could you please pass along your ranking of them?

Also, how do they compare to a pump 12 gauge with a Knoxx stock on them?

Many thanks for your help and I look foward to your insights.

[chas08]

Are you wanting a tactical configuration or sporting? And, are you only interested in new, or do older, out of production guns interest you too?

[seanie!]

I would look at the semi autos from Benelli that come equipped with the ComforTech stocks. I can speak from experience that they really DO take out a lot of recoil.

[Ghost Tracker]

New Beretta Vinci is reportedly quite a soft-shootin' 12 gauge. But right now they're not easily found & running ~$1350. I don't care about cost....so that shouldn't matter. Good Luck!

[oneounceload]

The heaviest gun that fits YOU the best, shot with the lightest target load will be the absolute lowest recoiling, both in actual and felt recoil.

The absolute lightest semi is not a 12 but a 28 or 410 from Remington. However, since your requirement is a 12, look at both the Beretta and Remington 1100 and plan on adding a weight to the forearm and a weight to the buttstock. I would look for a target version and limit myself to 2-3/4 DE (1145fps or so) light target loads. Any of those should be less recoil than a pump, which is usually lighter to begin with and doesn't use any system to elongate the recoil with the gas

[ArmedBear]

New Beretta Vinci is reportedly quite a soft-shootin' 12 gauge.

Only by Benelli.

See the latest Gun Tests.

[Nowhere Man]

I'll recommend a Remington 1100. The gas operated action really reduces recoil.



Dave

[oneounceload]

New Beretta Vinci is reportedly quite a soft-shootin' 12 gauge. But right now they're not easily found & running ~$1350.

Benellis are excellently made good performing guns - BUT, low recoiling they are not. they are lighter than a gas gun, so with the same load they will have more recoil. Add in no gas operating system to elongate the time, and felt recoil is also more. There's only so much you can do with the stock for recoil absorption. Heavy gun plus light loads= less recoil - every time

[Justin]

Look into a gun with a gas-operated system like the Remington 1100, Franchi 612, or Benelli M4.

In my experience, gas-operated shotguns tend to be a lot more finicky than the inertia-driven ones.

[DeepSouth]

Beretta Xtrema 2

My 10 Year old shoots mine.

[Milkmaster]

Whatever the brand, gas operated design is the key.

The gas operated semi-autos offer the least felt recoil by spreading out the event. The best way I can explain the feel is that my pump is a sudden violent lick on the shoulder. The gas operated gun is more like a push over more time to your shoulder. Go shoot about 4-6 rounds of trap and the difference will really affect you. The Remington 1100 is a little heavier than some of the newer models. That weight makes it a little tougher to carry all day, but that same weight helps with the easy recoil on the other side of the argument.

A good used 1100 can be found for a bargain if you wanted to try a gas gun design before you buy someting more expensive.

Good Luck!

[dasanii19]

The FN SLP has very low recoil. I was shocked when I first shot mine. http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/model.asp?fid=FNF005&gid=FNG002&mid=FNM0018

[earlthegoat2]

Remington 1100 410 is probably one of the lightest recoiling shotguns ever period.

[sohcgt2]

Gas operated recoil systems seem to be the softest but you should really go shoot some. There must be a skeet/trap range near you where someone will let you try their gun.

[Virginian]

The difference between a gas autoloader and a pump with stiff loads is like a shove versus a punch. Needing to be ready and lean into it, and involuntarily taking a step backwards.
They say the Benelli 2 piece stock takes a lot of the punch out. I shot a Super Black Eagle One and all I can say is it better. I shot one and the feeling of that stock moving was more disconcerting to me than a Browning Auto 5 Magnum going off.

[Old Guard Dog]

I have a Franchi I-12 which is inertia operated, and it is noticeably less recoil that my pumps. My wife likes to shoot it with target loads busting clays, and doesn't like a heavier pump.

[Sheepdog1968]

Thanks for all the comments so far.

Seems like a lot of people are saying the gas autoloaders have less recoil.

Has shot both the Mossberg 930 and Benelli M4 and can compare their recoils?

Again, recoil is my biggest concern.

[testosterone]

what are you going to be doing with it, is it a field gun? trap? skeet?

One poster mentioned, the heaviest guns you are comfortable with, and I will second that.

By far, the most effective recoil reducer is weight in the gun, in my experience at least...

[Hollywood Marine]

My super x 1 has about half the felt recoil of my model 12, but I only shoot 7/8 oz. trap loads in either gun. I also have a model 12 that I use for HD. It kicks pretty hard with 00 buckshot. YMMV.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Remington 1100 20ga---heavier than most others yet light enough to still be lively---doubtfull if there's much anything lighter recoiling---maybe a 12ga 1100/11-87 but those guns are beasts to carry.

[MrPeter]

Never shot a saiga-12 but I'm looking into getting one. I heard they're pretty soft recoiling.

[oneounceload]

Again, recoil is my biggest concern.

Then shoot 2-3/4 dram equivalent target loads of 1 ounce weight; 7/8 oz loads would be even better. Polywad or RST Vintager low pressure loads are the lightest - may not work a gas gun - But if you're talking about HD, that changes everything I just said

[Sheepdog1968]

what are you going to be doing with it, is it a field gun? trap? skeet?

One poster mentioned, the heaviest guns you are comfortable with, and I will second that.

By far, the most effective recoil reducer is weight in the gun, in my experience at least...
Mostly just shoot it socially at the range, maybe some sort of IPSC type of competion where I typically rank in the bottom third and am more interesting in working on moving, shooting, reloading and not gaming to win. I could also see hunting deer or boar with slugs. On rare occassion, skeet or trap. I don't plan to make this a home defense set-up.

Thanks for all of the comments I've seen, I really appreciate it. I see I need to try and borrow some at the range and test.

[batex]

Look into any of the Berreta semi autos in the 390/391/3901 series. These are all very similar gas guns that are very soft shooting, reliable and fun to shoot. Combine that with 1oz. target loads, make sure you have a good recoil pad (I recommend Kick-Eez) and you will love it. It will be SIGNIFICANTLY softer softer shooting that a pump gun with field loads. Heck, I don't like to shoot my 870 alot with field loads, but my 12 year old son has no problem shooting 50-100 rounds at the trap club with the combination I mention above. He has the version of the Berretta 390 that Walmart sells for about $550 which I highly recommend if you want a basic, plastic stocked gun.

Hope this helps.

[NoAlibi]

I've lost count on how many rounds of international skeet I've shot using an O/U, but there came a time when recoil to my face began causing me to flinch and drop birds. I went to a Remington 1100 and that solved the the problem for several months.

The final fix for me came 6 years ago when I had the forcing cone on my 1100 elongated to 5", the barrel back bored and ported. The difference is astonishng - not cheap, but worth it for me.

I hope this helps -- NoAlibi

[snooperman]

The Remington 1100 is one sweet shooter to me; but the lightest kicker I ever shot in 12 ga. was the old Mossberg, I believe model 9200, which is not made anymore.

[SHOTGUN PETE]

The Franchi 712 or 912 are both low recoil and have a gas ring you turn around for heavy or light loads, but Benelli, their owner has discontinued both except the 720 20 gauge. They were quite a bit more affordable than a beretta the parent company to Benelli. Gas guns reduce recoil substantially over recoil or manually operated guns. Reliability of any weapon is largely dependent on the owner but gas guns typically have had more cycling issues especially when not properly cleaned. The U.S. Marines chose a gas gun from Benelli that passed exhaustive testing proving that a properly designed gas gun is reliable when your life depends on it.

[SHOTGUN PETE]

:banghead:oops

[2ndwind]

Just in case you change your mind about a smaller gauge.... think 28... not 20.... really really light recoil and still kills small game well... better than it should even... something about being a balanced load where the shot doesn't get strung out...

The shells are more expensive unless you reload though...

[snooperman]

If you can find a Mossberg 9200, you will have the lightest recoil of any semi-auto shotgun. This was proven by tests years ago and my brother bought one. I have shot it on several occasions and it is lighter in recoil than anything I have ever shot. They are reasonably priced on gunbroker.com, However they are not being made anymore, but for the price it is something to consider for the recoil conscious shooter. I have a Remington 1100 20 gauge I bought for my wife and I end up breaking more clays with it than my 12. To me the inertia type guns kick too much as they are too light, in my opinion.

[oneounceload]

I have a Remington 1100 in 28 gauge - once I added an 8oz weight to the mag cap for better balance, it became one sweet shooting gun. Finding empties can sometimes be a challenge, especially using Remington's where there's grass around, but you get to the point you where to look. The Win AA sporting loads at 1300 fps do get flung pretty far, but my 1200fps reloads fall about 4-5 feet away and behind. Great for someone recoil sensitve.

[Sheepdog1968]

thanks all. Please keep the info comming.

[Seven For Sure]

I've got a 20" HK Fabarm and an 18" Mossberg 930. The difference in weight and recoil between the two is very substantial. The Fabarm is more fun to shoot. For hunting hogs with slugs I'd probably choose the 930.

[d2wing]

The new shock absorbing stocks do help as well as the heavy gun, light load.
The 1100 is good if you don't mind the weight. The 1187 Remington is better
but heavier. A Past shoulder pad or shock absorbing recoil pad will help too.
I would try the Benelli.

[oneounceload]

The Benelli is lighter and not a gas gun, so actual AND felt recoil will be higher. They also can be finicky if shooting light loads. Not saying a bad gun by any means,but not as light-recoiling as the Beretta or Remington

[Sheepdog1968]

Thanks all. I do appreciate the input.

[AKElroy]

+1 for the 1100; It not only soaks up recoil by being fairly heavy, the gas system utilized has a fairly slow operation, spreading recoil energy throughout the cycle time.

I own a Benelli Montefeltro as well, and with a recoil operated system it is much lighter and much faster to cycle. It also has significantly more felt recoil as a result. My 20 gage Benelli kicks far worse than any 12 gage 1100 I have used.

Any heavy, gas operated semi is going to provide the low felt recoil you are looking for, with the 1100 being the best IMO. (not necessarily the best shotgun; but the best in having the lowest felt recoil IMO)

[Border]

I understand the new Maxus from Browning is a dream but I have not shot it yet-just reading about it!

[Sheepdog1968]

I understand the new Maxus from Browning is a dream but I have not shot it yet-just reading about it!
Thanks I will have to check the Benelli and Browing out.

[Instinctivshot]

See my post re: Benelli Vinci
Have you tried a Limbsaver recoil pad? I don't care about actual recoil since that is largely dependent on the gun weight and load. What I care about is perceived recoil.
The limbsaver pad works wonders, but it does add a little to the kenght of pull. See if one fits a gun you already have.
The Benelli Vinci shoots soft, probably because of the stock. I assume it would be harder kicking if it had a standard stock.

[Sheepdog1968]

Thanks Instincitveshoot for the suggestion. I would appreciate it if you could provide the link as I haven't see it. I totally agree with you about preceived recoil. If we are talking a few rounds at home for self defense, any shotgun is fine. However, for training and taking out to the range, the preceived recoil does make a difference really quick.

[oneounceload]

I don't care about actual recoil since that is largely dependent on the gun weight and load. What I care about is perceived recoil.

The ACTUAL recoil is what does the damage, the perceived recoil just doesn't seem to hurt as bad - analogy - dentist doing root canal - with novacaine, pain isn't there until later. With reduction in perceived recoil, body is still getting the internal damage, just doesn't feel as bad.....at the time.

If you're sensitivity is due to a physical malady, then you need to reduce BOTH - heavy gun, light loads, proper FIT and some form of softening pad or system

[Youngster]

The ACTUAL recoil is what does the damage, the perceived recoil just doesn't seem to hurt as bad - analogy - dentist doing root canal - with novacaine, pain isn't there until later. With reduction in perceived recoil, body is still getting the internal damage, just doesn't feel as bad.....at the time.

If you're sensitivity is due to a physical malady, then you need to reduce BOTH - heavy gun, light loads, proper FIT and some form of softening pad or system

Taking a push instead of a punch greatly reduces the damage, as does spreading the focus of the blow. It's when the body is stressed too close to or beyond its elastic limits that damage results. For me reducing the peak pressure on the shoulder during recoil is a lot more important than reducing the total recoil force.

[oneounceload]

And if you can reduce both, why wouldn't you? The force is still the same without added weight - spreading it out over a few milliseconds may SEEM nice, but the force is still doing the damage to nerves, tissue, and joints.

[Instinctivshot]

Sheepdog1968 click on my name and go to "find more posts by ...." it will take you to my other post.

Perceived recoil is the main point. Distribution of the recoil force over time (i.e.- decrease in peak pressure against your shoulder) is what makes aftermarket pads work. As noted by another poster, the difference between a punch and a push. (I don't have scientific data to back this up, only my shore shoulder).

[AKElroy]

Perceived recoil is the main point. Distribution of the recoil force over time (i.e.- decrease in peak pressure against your shoulder) is what makes aftermarket pads work.

+1. Even more so with a gas autoloader. The recipricating mass of the piston, the reward motion of the bolt, the backwards redirect of gas through the port all take a significant amount of energy that would otherwise be converted into recoil. That, and the amount of time all that energy takes to be dispelled further reduces the jolt.

A martial artist may be able to bench 300 pounds, and he can easily break boards with a punch delivering a near instant amount of that same energy. Take that same amount of weight and SET it on the same board, and it will not likely break.

[LeonCarr]

Another vote for the Saiga-12. Smooth shooting, very rapid follow up shots.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[Bruno2]

Any of the guns being built with beneli's inertia blowback recoil system will be the smoothest shooters and have the fastest recovery time . You can identify by the camlock on the front of the bolt face . Beretta extrema 2 , some of the franchi s . Beretta bought beneli and is using the patent on several different makes and models . If the m4 is the auto/pump combo I dont think it will have the same recoil system .