shotgun kick question

[Arrieta578]

I think most dove hunters in Argentina shoot 20 gauges but some shoot 12 gauges. On my trip I averaged 3 cases a day--could have shoot much more.

AA --you know what I'm talking about! 750 shells a day is a quite a bit of shooting and it can be done. In my experience, with a gun that fits, other things start to break down in your shooting, before you succumb to recoil. I get lazy and stop following through with my swing because my arms get tired.

[AAShooter]

AA --you know what I'm talking about! 750 shells a day is a quite a bit of shooting and it can be done. In my experience, with a gun that fits, other things start to break down in your shooting, before you succumb to recoil. I get lazy and stop following through with my swing because my arms get tired.

Your point is well taken. Shotgun fit plays a big role. If the gun doesn't fit, it is really hard to maintain good form while shooting in dynamic targets.

On our trip we had several less experienced shooters use recoil pads and it probably was a good idea for them.

[bigbearbear]

AIn my experience, with a gun that fits, other things start to break down in your shooting, before you succumb to recoil. I get lazy and stop following through with my swing because my arms get tired.

Interesting....I was about the say the same thing too. When I shoot trap, my arms are the first to go if I shoot continuously and when there's not a full squad and I'm basically loading/shooting all the time.

[bigbearbear]

I have a cheap stoger condor over and under 12 gauge. Its a nice gun but kicks the hell out of my shoulder. My question is can anyone recommend a 12 gauge model and brand that does not kick very hard. some of the guys at the skeet range are using berretta Simi-autos and say that they hardly kick at all. Any info would be appreciated. thanks

Generally speaking, semi-autos kick less due to the recoil mechanism incorporated into the gun. Beretta are good shotguns, I've seen many A400 and virtually all owners commented on how little kick there is.

However, you will want to get a shotgun that fits you well. Go try some Beretta and others such as Benelli, Weatherby and Mossberg etc. Note also that semi-autos usually come with shim kits that allows for some adjustments, so if they're off but a little, they can usually be adjusted.

Before you go browse for shotguns however, I would recommend that you attend one of the skeet clinics run by our members here. You will be able to lean what is a good shotgun mount, that way, you'll know if a shotgun fits you properly when you start shopping for one.

[Bill Steele]

AA Shooters list is a good one.

What floats to the top of the list is the thing that has not been addressed on the list.

If you buy a later model Beretta Auto, you get a shim system that will help you get closer in the fit area, within reason. You will also get a gas operated recoil system that will cut recoil a significant amount. If you shoot light target loads with a Beretta Semi Auto, after a short time, they will start feeling like nothing.

None of the above means you can't shoot an over and under shotgun and not have recoil bother you. See AA's list again.

[corpsman818]

I have a Remington versa max that I have put 300 rounds through in one day without any sort or shoulder soreness. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a versatile, smooth shooting shotgun. Shoots any brand, any size, no problem.

[Arrieta578]

Generally speaking, semi-autos kick less due to the recoil mechanism incorporated into the gun. Beretta are good shotguns, I've seen many A400 and virtually all owners commented on how little kick there is.

However, you will want to get a shotgun that fits you well. Go try some Beretta and others such as Benelli, Weatherby and Mossberg etc. Note also that semi-autos usually come with shim kits that allows for some adjustments, so if they're off but a little, they can usually be adjusted.

Before you go browse for shotguns however, I would recommend that you attend one of the skeet clinics run by our members here. You will be able to lean what is a good shotgun mount, that way, you'll know if a shotgun fits you properly when you start shopping for one.

Excellent advice. Also, if you let us know how you are experiencing the recoil (i.e. what hurts) sometimes we can suggest what might be wrong in your gun fit. For example, a gun that is slapping you in the face might have too high a comb for you. A gun that is pounding your upper shoulder might have too little pitch for your body type. A gun that is poking or pinching your peck (sp?) with the toe of the butt of the gun might have too much pitch. If the gun just seems to smash into you, the length of pull might be too short.

But best to do this in person with someone who has some experience or educate yourself on gun fit.

[Musubi1000]

Since it's an over/under the easiest solution is to shoot lighter target loads. Shooting hunting or even worse long range loads will take its toll on your shoulder.

[GunnerMichael]

I have a cheap stoger condor over and under 12 gauge. Its a nice gun but kicks the hell out of my shoulder. My question is can anyone recommend a 12 gauge model and brand that does not kick very hard. some of the guys at the skeet range are using berretta Simi-autos and say that they hardly kick at all. Any info would be appreciated. thanks

I might suggest getting one with an adjustable stock. With the adjustable stock you can figure out what LOP suits you best. (why only have one 12g. I want a Stoeger SxS and a FN SLP Comp, and more. I think about 5 would curb my shotty cravings).

You could probably shorten the LOP on your O/U. I cut about 1.5" off my Mossy 500 Stock. After you cut the stock down you cut the rugger end to match the size. I actually left it so there is a little overhang, doesn't bother anything.

I also got a bunch of low recoil slugs and buckshot. My wife can shoot about 30 rounds before it starts to have an effect on her. Well, that was before she had to have back surgery. Now she can't shoot the 12gauge at all

[ysr_racer]

I switched to 1oz loads going 1200 fps, and they're soft shooting.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I've shot all day long and ran though flats and flats of shells with a 12 ga. and wasn't bothered by recoil.

This I agree with.

Not at all trying to pick a fight here, but there is a fundamental difference between feeling recoil and being bothered by recoil.

[JagerDog]

Fit and action style can significantlyaffect felt recoil.

Payload and velocity directly affect recoil and is the quickest availabe change short of a slip on pad perhaps.

I haven't used any mercury devices, but any weight added reduces free recoil.

But...it's a "coach gun". If you bought it to do volume shooting that was a mistake.

Even tournament shooters shooting 500 + rounds per day are affected by recoil. The few I know shoot reduced payload for practice and even events in 8+ pound guns. I've seen the pics of the Argentina dove shooters with bruised faces and shoulders. Kind of a "badge of honor" for bucket list events like that, but not something one would want to do with any frequency.