Lowest recoiling semiauto-shotgun & how compare to pumps?

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Sheepdog1968

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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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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
 
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New Beretta Vinci is reportedly quite a soft-shootin' 12 gauge. But right now they're not easily found & running ~$1350.
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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
 
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.
 
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!
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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...
 
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.
 
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.
 
Again, recoil is my biggest concern.
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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
 
testosterone said:
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...
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
Another way to go

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
 
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