I HATE the 12 gauge

Dr_2_B · June 13, 2009, 07:45 PM

Well call me a wimp or a lightweight or whatever you will... I hate it. I just cannot get used to the recoil. I can shoot my 44mag pistol or any other pistols all day - no problem. I am 6 ft tall and a little over 200lbs. But I just can't abide the 12. Don't like the 2 3/4 OR the 3 inch shells.

I'm not a complete sissy - really. It may be that my face is so close to the action. Or maybe it's that I don't have the best shoulders in the world. But I could honestly see myself flinching or delaying in a crisis if I were defending myself with my 12. So as of today I've made the decision to make my AR or my M1 carbine my home defense choice.

I've often said a 20 ga. would be a better choice for most people. Maybe there's one in my future.

liberty1 · June 13, 2009, 07:48 PM

Have you tried the reduced recoil loads?

VA9mm · June 13, 2009, 07:54 PM

I'm not here to name call or bash anyone for their choice of firearm or ammo. Life is to short to get into internet peeing matches. As long as my family and dog love me I could care less what others think.

Have you tried the reduced recoil loads? Semi autos are supposed to reduce recoil as well. If you have a bad shoulder than you have a bad shoulder period. I doubt the bad guy is going to know the difference between a chest full of buckshot or 5.56.

liberty1 · June 13, 2009, 07:59 PM

He said maybe a 20 gauge was in his future. Reduced recoil 12 and 20 feel about the same to me.
Just a suggestion.

Dr_2_B · June 13, 2009, 08:03 PM

Got a recommendation for a good reduced recoil 12 ga load?

VA9mm · June 13, 2009, 08:07 PM

My buddy got a torn rotator cuff as a present from a drunk driver. We just went and did some trap last weekend and shot some 12ga at the range. He hadn't shot shotgun in 4 months after a couple rounds of standard velocity buck he said I'm not going to push it. He was fine with trap loads.

On a side note he didn't get the worst of the impact the other guy in his car got 2 slipped disks.

VA9mm · June 13, 2009, 08:09 PM

Sure Remington makes Managed recoil loads, Winchester Ranger reduced recoil, and my favorite is Federal Tactical reduced recoil with flite control wad really tight patterns out of my 18" cyl bore.

zippy13 · June 13, 2009, 08:17 PM

Does your stock fit you properly? Many a nasty recoil was tamed by a corrected stock.

liberty1 · June 13, 2009, 08:17 PM

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/catalo...uge-rio-royal-
This stuff is cheap and pretty pleasant to shoot and has a good review by someone with an injured shoulder.
A limbsaver recoil pad also makes a huge difference, I have added one to all my harder recoil firearms.
Okay my link did not work well but it is the Rio Royal buckshot 9 pellet 25 rounds for 15 bucks. It is on the site just not with my link.

Couzin · June 13, 2009, 08:23 PM

Dr 2 B: What gun is this? Depending on manufacturer, type of action, barrel design, shell load - you can get differing recoil. Also - if it is a used gun, you might consider previous wear, failed parts, parts installed backwards, etc. Not all shotguns have serious recoil.

JWT · June 13, 2009, 08:26 PM

A proper fitting 12 ga. shouldn't be too punishing. I have a Remington 1100 that beat the h--- out of my face until I had the stock modified with an adjustable butt plate and comb. I could then set the gun up to fit properly and no longer had any problem shooting multiple rounds of trap with the gun.

BigJimP · June 13, 2009, 08:46 PM

Your problem probably has little to do with the gague of the gun / and a lot to do with the fit of the stock / and maybe some fundamentals.

I would suggest some lessons / or some time with a knowledgeable shotgunner.

I have shoulder problems as well - and even though I'm 6'5" and 290 lbs - somedays I don't want to shoot an 8 1/2 lb gun and 1 1/8 oz at 1300 fps just to prove I can - so I shoot a semi-auto / or lighter loads in a 12ga ...

I wouldn't give up on it yet.

loosecannon · June 13, 2009, 08:53 PM

12 gauge doesn't bother me but I know what you mean about the handgun recoil being different than a long gun recoil. When I shoot a hand gun it just kind of rolls back and up in my hand. With a long gun it's boom and recoil at the shoulder.
That being said if you wan a shotun you can always go with the 20 gauge or if you can find one a sweet 16.

SumToy Custom Barrel · June 13, 2009, 09:09 PM

Ports,Ports,and Ports

oneounceload · June 13, 2009, 09:21 PM

Glancing through the valuable comments, (spam notwithstanding), WHAT type of 12 gauge loads are you talking about?

You can shoot loads that are duplicate of 28 gauge up through shoulder-busting 00 buck or turkey loads.

First, get your gun to fit you; second, shoot light target loads.

Shoot the heaviest gun with the lightest loads in a gun that fits, and you won't notice recoil. I own 20's that kick worse than any 12 - why? because they do not fit MY profile like the 12's I have......

When 8-10 year olds can shoot a light target loaded 12, in a gun that fits, that tells you it can be done WHEN everything fits properly

Elkhound · June 13, 2009, 09:25 PM

I have a Remington 870 Express 12 gauge which has a ported barrel and a Mesa Tactical Endine recoil reducing system. I am a smallish 52 year old and I can shoot buckshot and slugs with no discomfort using this set up.

I was very surprised at how much this set up reduces felt recoil. It might be the answer to your problem.

olddrum1 · June 13, 2009, 10:57 PM

Again what oneounce said. He may be shooting high brass fours in a six pound gun. We do not know enough to be making suggestions.

Cruncher Block · June 14, 2009, 12:03 AM

A few things I've learned... they may or may not be useful.

1. At least with pumps, light shotguns hurt more than heavy shotguns. My 870 with SureFire fore-end is a tad heavy but tolerable with buck and slugs. My friend's 500 is noticeably lighter and punches back noticeably harder.

2. Pull that stock in tight to the shoulder pocket. Any gap between the stock and you is the difference between being "punched" and being "shoved".

3. If it's smacking you in the cheek, plant your face a bit further back on the stock. The nose-to-charging handle thing doesn't work for me with a shotgun.

90% of the people on this forum probably have better advice than me but this is the stuff I've learned that doesn't cost anything.

Having said all that, I don't see anything at all wrong with an AR or M1 carbine for defense.

bbqbob51 · June 14, 2009, 12:08 AM

If you can afford it the Beretta Xtrema2 seems like a good choice for reduced recoil:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6bKbqSdNEc
Most of you probably have seen the video, if not give it a whirl as it is fun.

MagicMan · June 14, 2009, 12:45 AM

Have you tried a Knoxx stock on your 12g? I am a little guy at 5'7" 130 lbs, but I love shooting my 870 12g w/Knoxx stock. I just picked up a Stevens 311. I'm sure that's going to send me for a loop.

riggins_83 · June 14, 2009, 12:48 AM

+1 for a slip on recoil pad, controlled recoil ammo and perhaps even a tighter against the shoulder form.

SteelJM1 · June 14, 2009, 12:50 AM

I too, hate firing my win 1300. It's not so much the shoulder as it is the punch to the face.

Maybe i'll sell her and use the money towards a Saiga 12

b.thomas · June 14, 2009, 07:30 AM

I've shot just about every type of 12 gauge action made and that's why I shoot a 12 bore 1187 with a good recoil pad on it!
Not so much because I can't tolerate the recoil but why suffer??

Howaido · June 14, 2009, 08:50 AM

Knoxx Specops buddy. Turns the 12 gauge into a creampuff.

oneounceload · June 14, 2009, 10:07 AM

Nothing turns a 12 into a crfeampuff if it still doesn't FIT. If you can't, (with an unloaded gun), close your eyes, mount your gun and be looking right at a predetermined spot, then it isn't fitting right. If you're one of the many Americans who do not fit the profile for "average", it won't fit you right.

June 13, 2009, 07:45 PM	#1
Dr_2_B Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Location: midwest Posts: 502	I HATE the 12 gauge Well call me a wimp or a lightweight or whatever you will... I hate it. I just cannot get used to the recoil. I can shoot my 44mag pistol or any other pistols all day - no problem. I am 6 ft tall and a little over 200lbs. But I just can't abide the 12. Don't like the 2 3/4 OR the 3 inch shells. I'm not a complete sissy - really. It may be that my face is so close to the action. Or maybe it's that I don't have the best shoulders in the world. But I could honestly see myself flinching or delaying in a crisis if I were defending myself with my 12. So as of today I've made the decision to make my AR or my M1 carbine my home defense choice. I've often said a 20 ga. would be a better choice for most people. Maybe there's one in my future.

June 13, 2009, 07:54 PM	#3
VA9mm Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2007 Location: N. VA Posts: 254	I'm not here to name call or bash anyone for their choice of firearm or ammo. Life is to short to get into internet peeing matches. As long as my family and dog love me I could care less what others think. Have you tried the reduced recoil loads? Semi autos are supposed to reduce recoil as well. If you have a bad shoulder than you have a bad shoulder period. I doubt the bad guy is going to know the difference between a chest full of buckshot or 5.56. __________________ “The key is to hit them hard, hit them fast, and hit them repeatedly. The one shot stop is a unit of measurement not a tactical philosophy.” Evan Marshall

June 13, 2009, 08:07 PM	#6
VA9mm Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2007 Location: N. VA Posts: 254	My buddy got a torn rotator cuff as a present from a drunk driver. We just went and did some trap last weekend and shot some 12ga at the range. He hadn't shot shotgun in 4 months after a couple rounds of standard velocity buck he said I'm not going to push it. He was fine with trap loads. On a side note he didn't get the worst of the impact the other guy in his car got 2 slipped disks. __________________ “The key is to hit them hard, hit them fast, and hit them repeatedly. The one shot stop is a unit of measurement not a tactical philosophy.” Evan Marshall Last edited by VA9mm; June 13, 2009 at 08:29 PM.

June 13, 2009, 08:09 PM	#7
VA9mm Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2007 Location: N. VA Posts: 254	Sure Remington makes Managed recoil loads, Winchester Ranger reduced recoil, and my favorite is Federal Tactical reduced recoil with flite control wad really tight patterns out of my 18" cyl bore. __________________ “The key is to hit them hard, hit them fast, and hit them repeatedly. The one shot stop is a unit of measurement not a tactical philosophy.” Evan Marshall

June 13, 2009, 08:53 PM	#13
loosecannon Junior member Join Date: January 6, 2006 Posts: 168	12 gauge doesn't bother me but I know what you mean about the handgun recoil being different than a long gun recoil. When I shoot a hand gun it just kind of rolls back and up in my hand. With a long gun it's boom and recoil at the shoulder. That being said if you wan a shotun you can always go with the 20 gauge or if you can find one a sweet 16. Last edited by loosecannon; June 13, 2009 at 09:06 PM. Reason: spelling

June 13, 2009, 07:48 PM	#2
liberty1 Senior Member Join Date: May 14, 2009 Location: colorado Posts: 281	Have you tried the reduced recoil loads?

June 13, 2009, 07:59 PM	#4
liberty1 Senior Member Join Date: May 14, 2009 Location: colorado Posts: 281	He said maybe a 20 gauge was in his future. Reduced recoil 12 and 20 feel about the same to me. Just a suggestion.

June 13, 2009, 08:03 PM	#5
Dr_2_B Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Location: midwest Posts: 502	Got a recommendation for a good reduced recoil 12 ga load?

June 13, 2009, 08:17 PM	#8
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Does your stock fit you properly? Many a nasty recoil was tamed by a corrected stock.

June 13, 2009, 08:23 PM	#10
Couzin Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2006 Location: Terrell, Texas Posts: 240	Dr 2 B: What gun is this? Depending on manufacturer, type of action, barrel design, shell load - you can get differing recoil. Also - if it is a used gun, you might consider previous wear, failed parts, parts installed backwards, etc. Not all shotguns have serious recoil.

June 13, 2009, 08:26 PM	#11
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	A proper fitting 12 ga. shouldn't be too punishing. I have a Remington 1100 that beat the h--- out of my face until I had the stock modified with an adjustable butt plate and comb. I could then set the gun up to fit properly and no longer had any problem shooting multiple rounds of trap with the gun.

June 13, 2009, 08:46 PM	#12
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Your problem probably has little to do with the gague of the gun / and a lot to do with the fit of the stock / and maybe some fundamentals. I would suggest some lessons / or some time with a knowledgeable shotgunner. I have shoulder problems as well - and even though I'm 6'5" and 290 lbs - somedays I don't want to shoot an 8 1/2 lb gun and 1 1/8 oz at 1300 fps just to prove I can - so I shoot a semi-auto / or lighter loads in a 12ga ... I wouldn't give up on it yet.

June 13, 2009, 09:09 PM	#14
SumToy Custom Barrel Member Join Date: October 26, 2008 Location: GA Posts: 63	Ports,Ports,and Ports

June 13, 2009, 09:21 PM	#15
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	Glancing through the valuable comments, (spam notwithstanding), WHAT type of 12 gauge loads are you talking about? You can shoot loads that are duplicate of 28 gauge up through shoulder-busting 00 buck or turkey loads. First, get your gun to fit you; second, shoot light target loads. Shoot the heaviest gun with the lightest loads in a gun that fits, and you won't notice recoil. I own 20's that kick worse than any 12 - why? because they do not fit MY profile like the 12's I have...... When 8-10 year olds can shoot a light target loaded 12, in a gun that fits, that tells you it can be done WHEN everything fits properly

June 13, 2009, 09:25 PM	#16
Elkhound Junior Member Join Date: December 14, 2007 Posts: 3	Porting and Endine I have a Remington 870 Express 12 gauge which has a ported barrel and a Mesa Tactical Endine recoil reducing system. I am a smallish 52 year old and I can shoot buckshot and slugs with no discomfort using this set up. I was very surprised at how much this set up reduces felt recoil. It might be the answer to your problem.

June 13, 2009, 10:57 PM	#17
olddrum1 Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Mid Missouri Posts: 807	Again what oneounce said. He may be shooting high brass fours in a six pound gun. We do not know enough to be making suggestions.

June 14, 2009, 12:03 AM	#18
Cruncher Block Member Join Date: December 11, 2008 Posts: 63	A few things I've learned... they may or may not be useful. 1. At least with pumps, light shotguns hurt more than heavy shotguns. My 870 with SureFire fore-end is a tad heavy but tolerable with buck and slugs. My friend's 500 is noticeably lighter and punches back noticeably harder. 2. Pull that stock in tight to the shoulder pocket. Any gap between the stock and you is the difference between being "punched" and being "shoved". 3. If it's smacking you in the cheek, plant your face a bit further back on the stock. The nose-to-charging handle thing doesn't work for me with a shotgun. 90% of the people on this forum probably have better advice than me but this is the stuff I've learned that doesn't cost anything. Having said all that, I don't see anything at all wrong with an AR or M1 carbine for defense. Last edited by Cruncher Block; June 14, 2009 at 12:11 AM.

June 14, 2009, 12:08 AM	#19
bbqbob51 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2005 Posts: 775	If you can afford it the Beretta Xtrema2 seems like a good choice for reduced recoil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6bKbqSdNEc Most of you probably have seen the video, if not give it a whirl as it is fun.

June 14, 2009, 12:45 AM	#20
MagicMan Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: PA Posts: 296	Have you tried a Knoxx stock on your 12g? I am a little guy at 5'7" 130 lbs, but I love shooting my 870 12g w/Knoxx stock. I just picked up a Stevens 311. I'm sure that's going to send me for a loop.

June 14, 2009, 12:48 AM	#21
riggins_83 Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Location: Wherever I may roam Posts: 1,505	+1 for a slip on recoil pad, controlled recoil ammo and perhaps even a tighter against the shoulder form.

June 14, 2009, 12:50 AM	#22
SteelJM1 Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 496	I too, hate firing my win 1300. It's not so much the shoulder as it is the punch to the face. Maybe i'll sell her and use the money towards a Saiga 12

June 14, 2009, 07:30 AM	#23
b.thomas Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2006 Posts: 461	I've shot just about every type of 12 gauge action made and that's why I shoot a 12 bore 1187 with a good recoil pad on it! Not so much because I can't tolerate the recoil but why suffer??

June 14, 2009, 08:50 AM	#24
Howaido Member Join Date: July 13, 2008 Posts: 29	Knoxx Specops buddy. Turns the 12 gauge into a creampuff.

June 14, 2009, 10:07 AM	#25
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	Nothing turns a 12 into a crfeampuff if it still doesn't FIT. If you can't, (with an unloaded gun), close your eyes, mount your gun and be looking right at a predetermined spot, then it isn't fitting right. If you're one of the many Americans who do not fit the profile for "average", it won't fit you right.