Mossberg Shotguns and recoil

[Big D]

Hey yall. I have owned several Mossbergs. The first three I owned were both 500's and funtioned perfectly. One was a plain jane wood stock model, with 28", 18.5", and 24" barrels; the next was a Model 500 Mariner, and a 500 8 shot Persuader. Although I loved my Mossbergs, it did seem like the synthetic stocked models always had more felt recoil than a wood stocked model, and I also noticed that the recoil pads on the synthetic stocks were extremely hard. Now the only Mossberg I own is the Model 590 Mariner 9 shot. Again I find the same problems with it as I stated above. I grew up shooting Remington 870's, and never had a problem with their felt recoil, they shouldered perfectly, and felt really good. I wonder why I am unable to accomplish the same feel with the Mossberg? That is ultimately what I am looking for, but do not know if I need a new stock, new recoil pad, or just need to trade it in on a Model 870. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[crazysccrmd]

The lighter weight of the synthetic stock translates to more felt recoil. You can add weight by filling the hollow buttstock with lead shot or something similar. I've been looking into the Knoxx CompStock which is supposed to absorb 54% of recoil through it's spring mechanism. In my case though I just don't shoot it enough to make it worth the money.

 

[dak0ta]

mossberg's aluminum receiver is also lighter than the steel of the 870. however that doesn't mean anything since Ithaca uses a steel receiver but is light.. it's the balance of the gun that makes perceived recoil personal.

 

[jon86]

870's...shouldered perfectly, and felt really good.

Any long gun that "fits" you very well will have less perceived recoil than one that doesn't fit well. This is because you are able to more effectively absorb recoil with your body.

FWIW, I have had the same experience with 870's vs 500's. I don't have an 870.
Good luck!

 

[RaceM]

Mossberg synth stocks are too long for many shooters. Since they don't "fit" right you get hammered on the recoil. Your options are: cut the stock you have by 1-1 1/2", get a shorter/adjustable stock, and replace the butt pad.

I swear by LimbSaver pads. All my Mossies wear 'em now.

 

[oneounceload]

If you are talking about FELT recoil, then the issue is gun fit. You say the Remingtons fit better because you have had no issues while the Mossbergs give you more discomfort.

Sell the Mossberg and get the Remington, OR make the Mossberg stock the same as the Remington so it fits

 

[Onmilo]

Funny.
I have always perceived the recoil on a m
Model 870 to be heavier than any 500-590 I have ever fired.
I have also come to the conclusion the Winchester 1200/1300 pump gun has less perceived recoil than either of the other two guns,,,

 

[jmr40]

The lighter weight of the synthetic stock translates to more felt recoil.

The synthetic 500's weigh exactly the same as the wood versions. On most guns I've actually weighed the factory syntbetic stocks usually weigh more than wood.

Mossberg synth stocks are too long for many shooters. Since they don't "fit" right you get hammered on the recoil.

This is most likely the culprit. Fit has a lot more to do with felt recoil than weight.

I swear by LimbSaver pads.

Me too. They turn many hard kicking guns into mild mannered guns.

 

[Big D]

So basically just cut the stock the same length as my 870?

 

[oneounceload]

Stock fit is more than just length - there is drop at heel and comb, toe in or out, pitch, cast, etc.

 

[Big D]

So basically, since I know an 870 fits me more or less, just try to sell or trade into another 870?

 

[jmr40]

That is what I'd do. But I just plain like the 870 better anyway.