Shotgun for bad back

[andrewdl007]

My dad is in his late 60s and recently hurt his back. He was told it may be some time before he shoots again. If that time comes when he is able to shoot once more, I want to get him an auto with low recoil (right now he uses a Browning O/U). What auto shotguns are out there with the lowest recoil. He shoots a 12 and I don't know if down sizing to a 20GA would help as well. And suggestions would be most appreciated. Also what would your recomendations cost? Thank you.

 

[XTrooper]

I'm in my 60s, have several herniated discs, and one major back operation behind me so I think I can speak about this with some authority.

The Mossberg 930 is relatively light recoiling and it is inexpensive for a semi-auto shotgun. I think they sell in the $600 range these days.

It's been decades since I've shot anything but a 12 gauge so I can't comment on how much difference it would make to drop down to a 20 gauge, but it seems logical that it would help to some degree.

 

[oneounceload]

The Beretta A400 with the Kick Off system or one of the after market recoil reducers like Bumpbuster, Gracoil, etc.

 

[35Rem]

Keep his gun and use Winchester Featherlite ammo.

 

[35Rem]

http://www.gandermountain.com/modpe...-Target-Ammo&i=413724&aID=503AI2&merchID=4006

 

[gp911]

A wearable recoil pad might help as well.

 

[Hunterdad]

I have an 1100 LT-20 that is a cream puff to shoot.

 

[BigJimP]

If its recoil that is bothering him ....he can keep the same gun / just shoot shells that are 7/8 oz of shot ( like a typical 20ga load ) at 1150 fps ....and it should be fine.....or maybe dropping down to 1 oz shells will be enough for him to handle his current gun...

If its the weight of the gun that is bothering his back ...then you need to know the specs on the gun ...and find something lighter...but lighter means more recoil ...

I'd try the light loads first.../what is the shell he's shooting now ?

New guns in semi-auto range in price from $ 800 - $2,000 probably ...../ going to a 20ga O/U ...might cost $ 2,000 - $4,000 depending on what he wants...

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I know from experience, when my back is giving me problems, I switch to my 28ga. This isn't due to recoil, the pain comes from holding up a heavier gun.

If the problem is just shear weight and not recoil, a nice 20ga autoloader should do the trick.
Hope your dad gets better soon.

 

[Whole Hog]

My shooting and hunting buddy, who's nearly 70 and has had neck and back problems and tried a lot of guns in the last few years, just got a Beretta UGB25 and says he's found his ultimate gun. In addition to being recoil sensitive, gun weight is an issue for him, but he's used the UGB pretty successfully for trap, skeet, sporting, and quail hunting. I've shot it with 1 1/8 ounce handicap loads and the recoil is mild and it's not very heavy. It's an odd looking thing and it's not inexpensive, but it works real well.