What is the recoil like with 12 ga mini shells?

[libertasdon]

I was thinking about a Kel Tec KSG for home defense, but my wife is disabled and fearful of the recoil. Does anyone have some experience with the recoil of the mini shells vs. 3 inch and 2.75 inch shells?

[Retarded Timing]

I find that the minis aren't reliable in the KSG. They get caught up trying to load. I would not use them in a HD weapon. I use 2.75 low recoil Remington Slugs. Very reliable and accurate. No problem grouping a torso size target at 100yds.

[oddball]

Years ago, I shot Aguila mini shells buckshot and the experience was a mixed bag. Using a Mossberg 590, the recoil was reduced compared to normal Winchester 00 buck, a bit like 20 gauge, maybe a bit lighter. But reliability was so-so; out of 50 rds we shot, six of them did not cycle. Plus accuracy, the grouping of pellets was inconsistent. I would never use mini shells for HD. Plus I use semiauto 12 gauge for HD and the minis will not cycle or feed anyways. But in a pump, no way.

The whole point of using a SG for defense is the sheer power of each shot, the kinetic energy with one round of 12 g buckshot is devastating compared to 9mm or even 5.56. IMO, if one cannot properly handle a 12 gauge or 20 gauge shotgun, they need to consider a .410 (even though I wouldn't for HD) or a handgun or rifle.

[Capybara]

I have the Smith & Wesson M&P12 bullpup which handles the mini shells fine. The recoil is about 1/3 less than 2.75" normal loads so for your wife, still substantial. I don't know anyone who uses 3" loads in shotguns much anymore unless it's for very long waterfowl shots.

The ballistics and gel penetration tests on the Minis sucks though, I agree with oddball, I wouldn't use them for SD/HD at all. It's tempting because my M&P 12 can hold 11 of the minis in each tube and one in chamber for a total of 23 rounds in a shotgun! But it can also hold 14+1 of 2.75" shells.
For messing about at the range, the minis are fun but I would not use them for HD, at all, ever. I also wouldn't stake my life on a KelTec, they simply aren't as reliable as a Smith, Mossberg, older Rem 870. I also agree with Retarded Timing, get a Mossberg 20 ga. for your lady or a PCC.

If she is petrified of recoil and closes her eyes and flinches, doesn't matter what she's shooting because she won't hit her target unless it's 5' in front of her. Before you buy any firearm for her, you need to get her to the range to figure out EXACTLY what her tolerances are for recoil, blast, shockwave, etc.
She needs to be able to shoot confidently, not close her eyes, flinch and pray, that's a horrible HD posture. I'm a shotgun instructor and making sure she is confident with whatever firearm you arm her with and that she can hit her target is far more important than the type and model of firearm she has.
She might better off with 9mm PCC if she can shoot it without flinching. .410 I think is a terrible HD round, much harder to make a devastating shot with such a small load. Not much recoil though, true.

[operavoice]

My KelTec has no problems running mini shells. Never had a jam, problem feeding, or failure to eject. I've heard that some can be quirky, but I suspect that it's because the shooter is short stroking rather than racking with emphasis.

Being a pretty light weight shotgun, the mini shell recoil is better than a full power load, and manageable, but it's still pretty stout.

[acaligunner]

Instead of a BOOM you get a pop