I've just went shooting at a range and was shooting a 12ga shotgun for the first time.

I've got to ask anyone actually feel the recoil of the shotgun ??

I was expecting hard recoil from like I hear shotguns do when I was shooting #4's and a full choke but I didnt notice it at all. Actually for that matter it felt like shooting a pellet gun.

What are your experiance ??

Dimitri

You've been watchin' way too many movies. Dimitri...You think that #4's are soft. Try Dove and Quail field loads in #7 & 8's.

Bushmaster,

Movies didnt effect me thinking they were really heavy.

But it was shocking. I expected something more, everyone has told me the recoil from a shotgun is much more then rifles etc and that you really "feel it"

Dimitri

Go to some of your heavier loads in 3" and 3 1/2" magnums. You might be a little more impressed...

Roger that! Next trip out

Going to try some buckshot loads.

Dimitri

That's cool ya liked it......Just another hobby now that you can spend a few $$$$$ on

Recoil though really also depends on the type and style of shotgun you are using. Generally, recoil will be heaviest in a single shot and an O/U or SxS, but that is strictly depending on the type (or who makes it plays a role in it too) of recoil management is used.

Auto shotguns will and are the softest recoiling (depending on model and make) shotguns on the market now. There are very many different ways to reduce recoil with an A/L, and every manufacturer has their different ways to do so......Weather it be inertia, gas, mercury, and the old type A-5 style "recoil operated" that has been picked up by Franchi where the barrel moves rearward on recoil, and into the chamber compressing a spring.

Personally, i like Beretta A/L's......But if i had my choice and if i could afford it, i'd shoot SxS's only because my hit to miss ratio drastically improves without having to concentrate at all (SxS's feel the most natural to me).

I do agree with the #7's & 8's though. However, would further that and suggest shooting a target load because that makes a difference in shooting 200 comfortable rounds and not feeling it the next morning

What gun did you shoot......make and model? Try a 3 or 3 1/2" rifled slug and an open/skeet choke next time.....you'll feel it

A older Browning Auto-5. I need to adjust the recoil system though works fine for slugs but had a problem with the #4's. So it was like shooting single shot because the recoil action wasnt working.

Dimitri

I DO love my Browning BSS 2 3/4" 12 ga...Even with #4 turkey magnums there is very little recoil...My oldest son uses a Beretta Xtrema 2 in 3 1/2". He seems to like it. Gee, I wonder why...

Dimitri,

Don't shoot anything heavy in it unless you know the shotgun or know the integrity of it......I've seen "smart guy's" blowing them up shooting heavy magnums out of them. I believe most are for a 2 3/4" shell though?

Bushy,

I've tried that beretta and still like the AL 390 & 391 better......I also don't have the need for a 3 1/2" chamber so i'm biased against it, but still like it

I'm not going to be shooting anything bigger then 2 3/4 myself

Actually buckshot in 2 3/4 has more energy then the bigger ones last I checked

Dimitri

want to feel the recoil huh?
ditch the auto and go for a pump or a single shot, the auto uses the energy you would normally feel as recoil to rechamber the next round.

glad you like it though!

Dimitri wrote:

I've just went shooting at a range and was shooting a 12ga shotgun for the first time. I've got to ask anyone actually feel the recoil of the shotgun ?? I was expecting hard recoil from like I hear shotguns do when I was shooting #4's and a full choke but I didnt notice it at all. Actually for that matter it felt like shooting a pellet gun. What are your experiance ?? Dimitri

Gidday Dimitri. Recoil is in direct proportion to the weight of the "projectile". I have a Fausti Stephano Elegant O/U in 12g that I use for hunting as well as shooting Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays. I only use 2 3/4" rounds.

For Trap I use 24 gram (7/8 oz) #7 1/2 shot loads that are so sweet and gentle. For Skeet I use 28 gram (1 oz) #9 shot loads. These are as gentle. For Sporting Clays I use 32 gram (1 1/8 oz) loads of #7 1/2 shot ( a little more solid). For hunting I use 32 gram (1 1/8 oz) or 36 gram (1 1/4 oz) loads of #4, #5 or #6 for rabbits or cats and BBs SG or 28 gram (1 oz) slug for "fun" on pigs etc. These tend to thump a bit.

Recently in a competition (my first big one), I shot 600 rounds of the Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays loads in 2 days and I was surprised at how little effect it had on me, in fact I wasn't even sore, but of course my gun fits me which is a big help. However, my hunting loads thump a bit, but nowhere near as hard and strong as European 2 3/4" hunting loads. Those things will let you know that you have hold of a gun with a bit of oomph.

Most people don't use their shotgun to its full potential, but then again why shoot big loads when lighter ones will do the job as well and won't knock either the shooter or the gun around.......and they are cheaper to load.

Cheers, Vince

Vince,

How do you like trap and skeet shooting ??

Dimitri

Dimitri- see if you have a friend with a NEF/H&R 12 ga. and try some 3" if you want to know what recoil is all about. Tried my buddies NEF single shot for about 4 rounds and that was enough, a nice black and blue mark.

Dimitri wrote:

Vince, How do you like trap and skeet shooting ?? Dimitri

Trap and Skeet is a real buzz Dimitri. It is frustrating when you mis, but oh so satisfying to see a clay disappear in a cloud of dust. Sporting clays is even more enjoyable because, depending on the skills of your range designer, it can duplicate field conditions and scenarios.

All in all a great sport that can help you when hunting.

Cheers, Vince