Recoil reduction on an 870 Express 20 gauge?

[Vagabond]

Let me first say the shotgun feels fine to me...

My SO is delicate and tender. We were shooting trap yesterday and she was using an 870 Express 20 gauge (wood stock) with the standard pad that comes with a new 870, and the recoil from that was killing her shoulder. Before dropping a lot of money on a gas 20 gauge with as little recoil as possible for her we'd like to make sure she enjoys the sport first, provided she can get past the pain. I'm looking for suggestions on recoil pads that fit the 20 gauge. Remington has their Super Cell pads but they all say 12 gauge only. I'm guessing the stocks are a different size?

Do any of you know something that specifically fits the 870/20 without a lot of modifications?

Thanks a bunch

[deckhandmike]

I use a limbsaver slip on pad for my SO and she can now shoot my 870 without getting bruised. Also fits on my R700 which is great when I need to sight in my .300 winmag.

[NapalmCheese]

Let me first say the shotgun feels fine to me...

My SO is delicate and tender. We were shooting trap yesterday and she was using an 870 Express 20 gauge (wood stock) with the standard pad that comes with a new 870, and the recoil from that was killing her shoulder. Before dropping a lot of money on a gas 20 gauge with as little recoil as possible for her we'd like to make sure she enjoys the sport first, provided she can get past the pain. I'm looking for suggestions on recoil pads that fit the 20 gauge. Remington has their Super Cell pads but they all say 12 gauge only. I'm guessing the stocks are a different size?

Do any of you know something that specifically fits the 870/20 without a lot of modifications?

Thanks a bunch

Why not get her a shoulder pad?

[EatsEverything]

Make sure she's mounting correctly. Some of it may be her body dynamics.

Consider getting lighter loads for your shells, though for 20ga, there's not a lot of wiggle room there.

You can also pad her up either with a shooting vest or, more cheaply, strap a pad to her shoulder. Not sexy, not cute, but it'll do the job until she figures out if its for her or not.

If you're in the LA area, bring her out to one of the clinics at Triple B's. They have other shotguns she can try out in case the 870 you have specifically causes her pain. (e.g.: CZ Redheads hate my shoulder. I can shoot just about anything else.)

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[Vagabond]

Why not get her a shoulder pad?

That is also an option. Thanks.


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[CPRAFAN]

Two words: Knoxx Stock. Make sure you get the recoil reduction type . . .

[ysr_racer]

OP where do you live? My wife shoots a Remington 1100 20ga youth model. It's soft shooting.

[Thefeeder]

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Recoil reduction in order of effectiveness

1) Gun Fit
2) Gun mount
3) Gun weight
4) Shell selection
5) Recoil Pad

Most people looking to reduce recoil just jump to #5 neglecting #1-4

For teaching I have a BPS and an 870 Express both in 20ga that have been modified for small frame shooters.....both have no recoil pad, just 1/4" rubber wrapping. I give the #1-4 a lot of attention so the shooter is learning with minimal recoil.

[Hdawg]

Recoil reduction in order of effectiveness

1) Gun Fit
2) Gun mount
3) Gun weight
4) Shell selection
5) Recoil Pad

Most people looking to reduce recoil just jump to #5 neglecting #1-4

For teaching I have a BPS and an 870 Express both in 20ga that have been modified for small frame shooters.....both have no recoil pad, just 1/4" rubber wrapping. I give the #1-4 a lot of attention so the shooter is learning with minimal recoil.

There is much wisdom in this post. Gun fit is crucial but the mounting is almost as important. Cutting the stock down may not be practical but finding a youth stock might be a good option. Then make sure the SO is mounting the gun correctly. Find someone else to help if needed. Also find the lightest loads you can. At that point a shoulder pad or softer recoil pad may not even be needed.

[keith1911]

I would make sure she is mounting the gun correctly in the pocket in her shoulder. The guy I know who knows shotgun fit the best is Bob Day (http://www.americhoke.com/). He helped me get one of my shotguns fitted correctly.

[NapalmCheese]

Recoil reduction in order of effectiveness

1) Gun Fit
2) Gun mount
3) Gun weight
4) Shell selection
5) Recoil Pad

Most people looking to reduce recoil just jump to #5 neglecting #1-4

For teaching I have a BPS and an 870 Express both in 20ga that have been modified for small frame shooters.....both have no recoil pad, just 1/4" rubber wrapping. I give the #1-4 a lot of attention so the shooter is learning with minimal recoil.

While you are entirely correct, 1-3 are also the hardest to work around when someone is borrowing a gun to see if they like the sport.

[bigbearbear]

If your wife is trying out trap shooting, a shooting vest that takes a recoil pad will be very useful. My wife shoots trap too and she use a Beretta shooting vest with a Beretta recoil shoulder pad insert. The shoulder recoil pad insert for Beretta is larger than others, allowing the recoil impulse to spread over a larger area.

Having said that, you will want to focus on getting the gun fit and gun mount correct for her or she'll get banged up no matter what. Even with a shoulder pad, chances are she'll get bruises on her cheek too if you don't get the gun fit and mount correct.

One other thing that might help, a cheek gel pad like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Beretta-E0037...CJY6MYA793YVK5

Both wife and I use it on our shotguns.

[Thefeeder]

While you are entirely correct, 1-3 are also the hardest to work around when someone is borrowing a gun to see if they like the sport.

Its the discretion of the person who is undertaking the role of teacher or mentor to decide if a firearm is appropriate. If its not, as you know, the teacher/mentor is doing more harm then good.

[aippi]

No sir, the Supercell pads fit 20ga stocks. You simply have to order the correct one for whether the stock is synthetic or wood and the Length of pull of the stock.

[KTM RICK]

Limb saver recoil pad.