Looking for low recoil suggestions

[Guvnor]

Im looking to buy my first shotgun but want something with manageable recoil. I suppose my definition of manageable is being able to get through a box of 25 rounds without being in pain.

Im reading many conflicting opinions on 20 gauge vs. 12 gauge recoil. Im leaning more toward 20 gauge at the moment. I understand that light guns kick harder so im trying to look for guns that are 7 pounds or heavier. Ive been doing alot of number crunching with recoil charts and calculators but I realize calculated recoil and felt recoil can be two different things.

Number one on my list right now is the Mossberg 500 20-gauge pump, at 7 pounds even. I assume recoil wouldn't be too bad with 2-3/4 loads? I have no intention of using magnum loads with any gun since id be using it primarily for home defense and occasional trap shooting and upland bird hunting.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Just invest in some low recoil ammo and even a 12ga can be tamed nicely. 20 gauges should be looked at with caution. It is my shotgun of choice but nonetheless it is not the quick fix to low recoil.

 

[Hungry Seagull]

We use Remington Buckhammer 20 gauge managed recoil for the wife.

Lo and behold... she is now shooting full load federals at almost 45% more recoil without issue or fear and on target too.

Gonna get her settled down on the Brennekes soon. Those are pretty heavy as far as loads go.

Keep in mind that we fire slugs. Buckshot generally has less recoil.

I had a video up for a time, but took it down because of issues with youtube. I may put it back up later this week. I have both the Moss 500 and the 870 and you can see the differences if any, with recoils.

 

[sbarkowski]

Are you recoil sensitive? I'd get out and shoot some if you have chance to. When I bought my first shotgun I too was recoil conscious. Im 5 8" and a feathery 148 lbs soaking wet with lead shoes and I was shying away from the 12ga until I had a chance to shoot some. I went through the recoil charts as well, but they really dont mean anything until you shoot one. I've found no problem with anything in a 12ga 3" shell or smaller out of an 870 or even the lighter supernova. A good recoil pad and proper fit make the world of difference. Good luck with your search

 

[Hungry Seagull]

Agreed on the recoil pads. We use the PAST ones from one of the chain stores, they work well. Had my spouse punch me there and I punched her on the pad and no problem. The guns felt the same bucking against the pads.

Just dont do what I did, shoveling a 3 inch super X magnum slug into the weapon for my very first shot. The results almost made me turn around and turn the shotgun back into the store and get my money back. But now Ive gotten used to it... sorta... maybe Im a recoil nut. I dont know.

Remington Managed Recoil Buckhammer for 20 gauge.

Winchester WinLITE low recoil rounds.

Brenneke Tatical managed recoil home defense round. Those are hard to get.

Generally as a rule anything below 1300 feet per second isnt that hard on your shoulder.

 

[sbarkowski]

lol, I always do just the opposite. With all my new shotguns I get the biggest heaviest load I can find and fire that one first. After that anything else is mild in comparison.

 

[Snarlingiron]

I have 11 shotguns, all 12's except for a 20 ga wingmaster and a 20 ga SxS double. I don't find the recoil to be much different with the 20 gauges.
With that said, I have a friend with severe back problems and he shoots a Remington 1100 20 gauge. He finds the recoil to be significantly less than his 12 gauge 11-87.

Perceived recoil is a subjective thing.

Almost universally folks find gas operated shotguns to have less perceived recoil than other types.

 

[Big Bill]

Get a Benelli Nova with a recoil reducer..

Nova Pump Recoil Reducer

Benelli’s Nova Pump is truly a 21st Century pump shotgun. Corrosion-proof polymer is over-molded on a skeleton framework to form the one-piece receiver and buttstock, in a revolutionary shotgun manufacturing process. The lightweight polymer stock also provides plenty of room for mounting an optional 14-oz. recoil reducer. The Nova Pump’s stock has a recess for easy installation of a recoil-reducer bracket, which houses a 14-oz. mercury recoil reducer. When shooting the mighty 3-1/2" magnums, this innovative system is a welcome addition.

The Nova Recoil Reducer Package includes the mercury recoil reducer and bracket for easy installaton.

http://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/benelli_nova_pump.php

 

[Guvnor]

Thanks for the help guys. Reason im looking for lower recoil is to avoid developing a flinch and to avoid fatigue on range days. I want to be able to put alot of rounds through the gun so I become proficient with it.

I looked at the gas operated guns like the 1187 but I hear they can be finicky about lighter loads such as the ones id be using. Prefer to get a pump for simplicity and reliability.

Maybe I will look into the 12 gauge because of the wider availability of ammo choices including the reduced recoil stuff.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Proper fit is critical. Find a gunsmith who knows shotgun stocks.

A premium recoil pad will help- a lot.

Go with a 12 gauge repeater and use lower recoil ammo. This will work even in a pumpgun.

Shoot some examples of different makes/models before you buy.

Have fun shopping!

lpl

 

[rbernie]

Im looking to buy my first shotgun but want something with manageable recoil. I suppose my definition of manageable is being able to get through a box of 25 rounds without being in pain.

Most folk can do that with a 12ga pumpgun and hard buttplate, so long as the gun fits them well and they hold it properly. Shooting a shotgun is a dynamic thing, and because you're standing and not in a fixed position, your body will 'roll' with the recoil. Most times, shooting a shotgun gets to hurtin' after a box of shells only when the buttpad digs in to the wrong spots or the buttstock slaps the shooters cheek because it doesn't fit them well.

Keep in mind that semiautos have a kinder recoil characteristic that do pumps or single-shots or doubles. If recoil reduction is the KEY priority (vs simplicity, reliability, cost, or any other characteristic) then a semiauto is hard to beat.

Standard field loads really don't kick much. Magnum buckshot does.

My first shotgun was a Mossberg 500 20ga. I sold it to get a 12ga 870, because I wanted the load variety of 12ga (principally HD ammo) that I could not as readily duplicate in 20ga. You might want to consider the ammo factor before making a caliber decision.

Just some random thoughts....

 

[Guns and more]

The dilemma with a 20 ga. is the lack of choice in ammo. There is a much larger selection in 12 ga. I'd like to compare a generic 20 ga. easily available shell with a 12 ga. 2 3/4" reduced recoil shell.

 

[Hungry Seagull]

I agree on 20 gauge ammo problem. I found a supplier for my 20 gauge and Im happy with it so far.

Then again I can probably just stuff 00 shot into that thing and be happy.

One thing. I never tried a magnum in the 20 gauge yet. The gun is stamped capable of taking three inch rounds... I just dont see the need.

One thing I did forget.

It's possible that low recoil ammo in the shotgun comes out leaving the bore "Dirtyier" (Spelling?) While the Mags (*Giggles...) left nary a speck in there.

 

[oneounceload]

1. The gun HAS to fit properly to reduce recoil.
2. Get a heavy gun to reduce recoil.
3. Use a gas gun to reduce "felt" recoil.
4. Install a good recoil pad to reduce "felt" recoil.
5. Get a 12 gauge and use sub-gauge tubes in 20 or 28 to reduce recoil.
6. Shoot light TARGET loads in whatever gauge you opt for.

Any/all of those should allow you to shoot several boxes at a time.

Good luck!

 

[Gambit88]

I have an 870 in 12g. Though all Ive shot out of it are federal target loads, The recoil seemed like nothing. I havnt done any modifcations to it either. BTW Im 5'10" and weigh 155 so... Also if you hate recoil avoid surplus rifles. My Mosin 91/30 beats the piss outta my sholder.

 

[sm]

Gun fit has been mentioned already to which I will add correct basic fundamentals of shooting a shotgun.

Gun fit, Form, and Ear protection are three factors that play a huge part in managing perceived recoil.

 

[batex]

Here's what I would recommend. It's the setup I bought for my 12 year old son so I'd have a partner to go to the trap range and clays course with. While's he's only 12, he's a big and strong kid so this may not work for you.

1. Get a 12 gauge semi-auto gas gun. A gas action semi will reduce felt recoil as it takes time and energy to work the action. This alone should feel better than a pump gun. The gun I bought is the walmart version Beretta 390, a very proven, reliable design that is known to be "soft" shooting.

2. Next, I installed a high quality kick-ezz recoil pad. These are made of a special material much better than hard rubber. I did have to fit the pad, but it wan't too bad.

3. I bought special, low recoil target loads for him to shoot. In fact, the first type I bought weren't even powerful enough to work the action which is saying something in a 390. Since then, I reload low-power 1oz. loads that he handles just fine.

4. Make sure the gun fits well.

If you do these things, shooting will be fun, not painful. He and I routinely shoot 75 rounds at the trap range and he's still wanting more.