12 gauge kicks too hard for wife. Would recoil pad make a noticable difference?

Question

My wife had some problems at the range this last sunday. it was her first time shooting a shotgun and i just had slugs in it. She almost dropped the gun from the recoil, she was holding it with good form but i think just the amount of recoil vs a pistol like she is used to had startled her. I was thinking about getting a recoil pad, will it noticeablily lessen the recoil for her? Any particular one i should be looking for?

Answer 1

Yes, I use a limbsaver recoil pad on a rifle with a short stock. It doesn't kick hard, but it's too short. With that recoil pad, the little bit of a kick that the gun does have becomes barely noticeable.



If you use trap/ skeet loads or reduced recoil slugs with a limbsaver recoil pad, your wife barely notice the recoil. Make sure that she is shouldering the gun tightly though. What looks good from your point of view may not be exactly right.



Reduced recoil buckshot loads are even used by law enforcement. They will serve well in a home defense roll.

Answer 2

Here's an answer I don't think I've seen anyone mention...how about teach her how to properly shoot it? Improper technique and a 300 lb guy has a rough time with a 12 gauge. Proper stance and hold and I've seen 12 year old girls shoot 12 gauge high brass.

Remember the key points to proper shotgun technique.

First, chicken wing. Get that elbow out there. Most folks make the mistake of holding the elbow close to the body, which shrinks your "recoil pocket". Open that elbow up and hold the stock firm against the body, right in the pocket between your shoulder and chest.

Second, take a more aggressive stance. Lean INTO the gun, use your body weight to absorb the recoil, don't stand there upright like a dope and take it all in a way that puts you off balance and increases the felt recoil. Lean forward, be aggressive, and use your body.

Answer 3

Best Shotgun Recoil Pad

Answer 4

Take her and the gun to a gun smith, and have the stock cut and recoil pad fitted to her spec's.

Shooting slugs will also have an effect as they are usually loaded with very high power and thus heavy recoil.

By shooting low brass shells, it will give her more practice and confidence because ot the lower recoil.

Also, an open choke will lessen the amount of recoil, not by much, but a little.

Answer 5

When I teach people to shoot clay targets, I use a Remington 11-87. And here is why...



- The steel receiver of the Remington 11-87 makes the gun heavier. A heavier shotgun will produce less FELT recoil.



- The gas operation on the Remington also dampens some of the recoil.



So, trade the pump-gun for a Remington semi and she should be fine.

Answer 6

how about starting her on target loads instead of slug for one, and get a good removable recoil pad. maybe a 20 gauge for home defense would be a better option for her sake, more manageable recoil without much lost in performance(when the intruder is dead, they're dead).

for home defense load, #4 Buck -#3 Buck are good choices, loads of lead with good penetration but not excessive where it's going to penetrate 3 houses before stopping.

edit**

you could also put some steel rebar or lead bar in the stock screw hole behind the buttplate, that way it adds more weight at the most manageable point(the buttstock) and that extra weight with absorb a bit of recoil too.

Answer 7

Change the stock on the gun. This will control recoil. Ask a competent gunsmith ,stock maker to do this. Also if you can afford it go to a curly maple stock for more reduction And use a double blank to move the gun to fit her. Use one with more? raise for less recoil. And if she is right handed move gun to left in stock when making the new one. For sighting. Then pattern the barrel to throw the shot were she wishes and repattern the gun. A recoil pad will help also. But you need to shorten the stock to fit her as well. Now you have a scatter gun fit and ready.

Answer 8

Really consider purchasing a 20 gauge or even an .410 bore shotgun...... At a time when a home invader is breaking is not the time for her to be intimidated by the firearm...... If at all possible purchase a model that's similar to yours.... lets say you bought a Mossberg 500 12 guage for you, get her a Mossberg 500 20 guage or .410 bore..... The safety, slide release and way to load it will be exactly the same between yours and her shotgun.... That way if either of you has to use the others firearm it will be intuitive in its operation.....

Answer 9

You had her shooting 12ga slugs? No wonder she almost dropped it. The recoil of some 12ga slugs is comparable to some big bore magnum rifles. As the others said make the stock fit her, by a limb saver and buy reduced recoil buckshot for home protection.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/45962-5.html

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/482134/fiocchi-low-recoil-ammunition-12-gauge-2-3-4-00-buckshot-9-nickel-plated-pellets-box-of-10

Answer 10

Get some reduced recoil loads for her to shoot. If she ever uses it in self defense, she will not feel the recoil.

Answer 11

If the gun is gas operated auto, thats as light as it will be. Only other option is go to 20 ga. But again- if its a gas operated automatic- it will be a light recoil.

Answer 12

I'm with Extra, cut the stock, or get her a youth sized 20 gauge autoloader. The youth sized guns usually fit women pretty well. Unless you're married to an amazon.

Answer 13

* All you have to do is put a " Limbsaver Recoil " pad on it. It will reduce the Recoil 50% on your shotgun.* Do not get a 20 gauge.*

Answer 14

I use recoil pads on a few different guns. It is a noticeable difference.

Answer 15

A nice thick slip-on recoil pad can make a world of difference.

Answer 16

Get a limb saver recoil pad or maybe a couple .410 adapters to use until she is used to how a shotgun functions.



http://www.firequest.com/HV410.html

Answer 17

20 gauge sorry did,nt see your option, but get some 3 inch in mags an field loads ,,,

Answer 18

Unless you're duck hunting why don't you get her a 20 gauge?

Answer 19

don't shoot slugs in it then...



a wuss pad is very effective in reducing recoil... they don't call it a wuss pad for nothing...