12g recoil question

[ChefJeff1]

Good Day. My question is about the recoil of the venerable 12g shotgun. I USED to own a mossberg 12g youth. Whenever I shot it I got a debilitating headache for about a day and a half and it gave me the flinches just looking at it. So, What should I expect from a full size 12g? I'm looking at a Remington 870 synthetic camo version or something similar. It's primary use will be HD but I will also be using it for "plinking" and some hunting. If it matters, I'm 5-4 and 130#'s I might also consider a 20g youth size gun. Thanks, ChefJeff

 

[classic095]

Get an autoloader, gas operated, Remington 1100 will not beat you up as a pump shotgun will..

 

[ChefJeff1]

Autoloaders are not out of the question either. My limit is $300. thanks

 

[jamesb]

The youth model will have more felt recoil due to its smaller size, less density to absord the shock. An auto loader with a gas recoil system and some dense wood furniture will make any shotgun more managable. Also start practicing with reduced recoil loads until you can shoot without the flinch and them move up to heavier loads.

 

[Snarlingiron]

I find the 870 with a limbsaver recoil pad to be quite manageable. The 870's weight helps reduce the felt recoil. If an auto is a must, then the Escort's are available in the $300.00 range, and the posts on this forum are quite positive. While I haven't shot one, they seem to be a solid inexpensive gas operated shotgun. The 1100's are great, but I'm not sure you will find a good one for $300.00.

A 20 ga. is certainly a viable alternative, and is more than adequate for HD with the appropriate ammunition. An 870 in 20 ga. is a wonderfully slim maneuverable shotgun. I have an old Wingmaster 20 ga. from the 60's that is one of my favorites. Beautiful workhorse. I guess I should say I "had" it, I recently passed it to my son, and he loves it as much as I do. A real classic.

 

[bpisler]

My Mossberg 500A 12 gauge would beat
me up until i put out a limbsaver
recoil pad.

Felt recoil with reduced or managed
recoil buckshot loads are close to a
AR-15,maybe a little heavier but not
by much.

 

[Dave McCracken]

New shooters get beat up because they haven't learned good form. See the old thread on Proper Mounting Techniques.

Also, use the increasingly popular 7/8 oz ultralites at first and work heavier later.

And a good pad like the Limbsaver makes a difference....

 

[AZ_Rebel]

Shotguns with slugs or High Power shot shells can certainly give you a lesson in recoil and its control. If you are getting a lot of felt recoil and muzzle jump I would suggest you try holding your shotgun in a different manner. Most people are told to hold the shotgun firmly against the shoulder when firing to keep the butt from cracking your shoulder when the gun fires. This is good advice as far as it goes but it bears some detailing.

Assuming the Shooter is Right handed
1. When mounting the shotgun raise the Right Elbow so that the upper arm is parallel to the ground. This open up the shoulder and creates a pocket for the butt pad or plate. This will also prevent inadvertently placing the butt on the collarbone - which you will instantly regret!
2. Hold the butt against the shoulder with some pressure of your right arm but not with all your strength.
3. Put firm tension in both you arms and push forward on the forearm of the gun with the left arm - as if you are trying to pull it apart - back with the right, forward with the left.
4. Mount the gun to the face - not the face to the gun... do not dip your head to the stock.
5. When the gun fires absorb the recoil mainly with your arms... let them work like shock absorbers so that your shoulder (and face) do not get the brunt of the recoil momentum.

I have taught many lighter built people how to shoot full power 12 Guage loads with no discomfort. My exwife weighed 125 pounds and fired over 500 rounds out of a light Remington 600 .308Win in 6 days in a Gunsite Rifle Class with no bruising and no discomfort using these techniques.

Work on recoil control... it is not that difficult and adds immeasurable to the enjoyment of shooting your shotgun or rifle.

 

[ChefJeff1]

AZ, great tips especially #3 and 4. I remember cocking my headto the side of my 12g. I'll search around for better technique tips. Thanks to all.

 

[dagger dog]

I put up with being popped in the jaw, nose, etc. with 12ga through out the years. You can down load, shoot the lower power ammo .

I wised up and went for a 20. It's a lot easier on the chops, and you can shoot 3" mags. that will replicate the 12ga loads up to a point. I still have my 12ga's. though.

 

[okiewita40]

Great post there AZ. Good points to be used for sure. I shot the 12ga as a kid. Now i was all of about 4'8" and maybe 75 pounds soaking wet. i brought down my sahre of pheasants and doves with a 12 ga. proper mounting of any long gun goes a long ways towards the enjoyment of shooting.