Ouch! First Time Out With a Shotgun

[NeverAgain26]

I went down to the range today with my new H&K FP6. I shot a variety of 2 3/4" Bird Shot, #4 and 00. I also tried out some 3" #4 shells. My shoulder is killing me.

Does anyone know if there is a recoil reducer I can get into this gun? If not that, can anyone suggest a butt pad I can fit to the gun that will help me manage the pain of the recoil?

I do not mind recoil in my handguns (it's actually a rush the bigger the boom), but shooting the heavier loads is no fun in this gun. I wonder how people shoot 3" 00? Could it be because my FP6 is so light that the recoil is so painful?

I also would like to know if anyone has recommendations for sights I can add on to this gun. It is primarily a Home Defense gun for use at short range, but I would not mind having something more substantial in the way of sights. I have seen these guns with rails but my gun has no rail and has a bead front sight.

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

NA26

 

[HS/LD]

The more you shoot it the less recoil you will notice.

Just like the first time you shot a handgun.

HS/LD

 

[BerettaNut92]

Lean into the thing. Tuck it TIGHT on your shoulder and cheek.

If you don't feel like your butt is sticking out too much, you're not doing it right

 

[blades67]

Bigger BOOM! = more recoil. More practice will minimize the abuse your shoulder feels, but won't get rid of it. Real shotgunners just shoot until their shoulder is numb.

 

[SDC]

I'll echo skunkabilly's advice; you need to make sure the stock is pulled in TIGHT to your shoulder pocket, and ride it while it's recoiling; if there's even a little bit of space in there, the recoil throws the mass of the shotgun against you HARD, instead of giving your whole upper body a gentle push. There are a few things you can add to the equation, though; if there's any empty space at all inside the stock, I'd suggest packing it with lead shot. This makes it heavier, so the recoil has to move IT instead of YOU. You could also look at any one of the wide variety of recoil pads/PAST shields/shooting vests out there, but the shooting technique you use is going to be what really determines how much recoil you feel.

 

[Soap]

I just did a thread on this that nobody paid attention to
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15525

 

[P95Carry]

When necessary with shotguns or rifles I use a slip on pachmayr recoil pad .. much as anything cos i often need some butt extension.

Other option is a small pad doohicky I have .. leather padded thing which is sorta ''worn'' bit like a sho rig ... I use that with some rifles to increase comfort when doing critical target stuff.

Otherwise as other said ... keep it tucked in tight!

 

[Dave McCracken]

A coupla things....

The floating thread on Proper Mounting Techniques
will help you. I wish you'd read that first.

Pain is nature's way of telling you that your form and fit are off when shotgunning.

Next time, assuming you can conquer the flinch you've already started building and don't quit altogether, use the LIGHTEST LOADS YOU CAN FIND.

Something like 7/8 oz would be ideal,but a 1 oz, 2 3/4 dram equivalent load may be the best available locally.

Get some competent instruction.

If you add some weight to that thing, it'll hurt less.Better fit, form, more weight and less load add up to less or no hurt. A good pad helps too, but shotgunning with bad form is Instant Karma regardless of hardware.

Re sights,walk before trying to run.Good work is done every day with a bead.

Dunno much about FP-6s, but my bet is that it's a good lb lighter than a "Serious" shotgun should be.

HTH....

 

[SASS#23149]

first off,i'd say skip the 3" shells,unless you're taking down aircraft! talk about overkill...er,overkick.
Sounds like you went right for the throat,power-wise.You might try some birdshot until you get comfortable with it,then work up(if u must.)
the idea of pouring shot in the butt does help.I"ve heard i'ts best to fill the cavity so no shot is pounding back and forth under recoil.
most off-the-rack recoil pads are not the best...they justhelp sell guns I think.A good one like Pachmayer's Decelerator can make some difference,but it's trial and error there.
add some lead,then try a diff. pad,then maybe lenghen the forcing cone.One step at a time could save ya money when the "magic cure" is found.
and as they've already said,mount 'er solid.
Mike

 

[HSMITH]

Just like bench pressing over 250 pounds, you have to work up to it. Shoot 40 birdshot loads, then 50 then 60 then add 10 buckshot loads and on and on. Not to brag but I am darn near recoil ignorant anymore, I just don't realize it is there, I get into the 3 1/2" turkey loads before I even notice. I shot at least 300 and usually 500 shells a week through a light fixed breech gun for a couple years to get there though, until I need shoulder surgery I should be good to go. The other real positive is while you are getting used to the recoil you can become a pretty darn solid shotgunner going through all those shells.

Shoot and shoot often.

EDIT: NEVER EVER shoot until it hurts to shoot or a gun that it hurts to shoot. That is one heck of a way to get a flinch that could last a lifetime. If shooting is getting tender STOP!!!!!!!! Don't EVER get a flinch, ask the oldtimers and watch them to see just how nasty a flinch can be. Work up to it.

 

[Ricky B]

Read Dave McC's post; follow his advice. Repeat as needed.

I would add this. Try a shooting vest with a pad on the shoulder, particularly one which has a pocket in the shoulder that allows you to remove and insert a pad. You could then try a thicker pad if the one that is in there is insufficient for your needs.

--Rick

 

[JohnRov]

Make sure your right elbow (assuming you are a right hander) is up so that your upper arm is about parallel with the ground. This gets the butt into the shoulder pocket and doesn't let it drift out on the shoulder itself.

 

[NeverAgain26]

Thanks to all. All solid advice, especially about not leaving a gap between the gun's butt and my shoulder. I will get some light loads and work my way up and (for now) stay away from the 3" shells.

I found out from H & K that there is no recoil-reduction mechanism for this gun. I will ask my smith about adding some lead shot.

I love this place. Thanks to all.

NA26

 

[HSMITH]

NA26, weight is as simple as some clear silicone smeared inside the stock and a cup of shot poured in and shaken. Add a tad more silicone and then more shot. 4ounces in the stock makes a dramatic difference in feel of the shotgun, go slow adding weight unless you add it up front too and keep the balance the same.

My advise is simple, if it fits shoot it until you are in shape to handle it. Never shoot sore..........

 

[10-Ring]

Once get the technique down (Skunk's got it down!), shooting a shotgun can be ALOT of fun!

 

[NeverAgain26]

I am also looking into a Gauge Reducer in Cabela's catalogue. It's a sleeve I can use to adapt the gun to other gauges as well and I will probably buy one for a 20 Gauge shell and try it out for awhile.

I will add weight and keep shooting 12 gauge and concentrate on form and hold. I am sure correct form and hold will fix 90% of my problem.

NA26