Shot my Stevens 320 today..

Kev · May 27, 2013, 06:32 PM

First time at the range with my Stevens 320.
No real history with shotguns. Just small caliber rifles and handguns.

Well....
Tucked her in tight, racked the pump and lit a slug off.
Ouch...repeat and Ouch!

Looking at slip on recoil pads..
Any recommendations?

jaguarxk120 · May 27, 2013, 07:09 PM

Stop shooting such heavy loadings.

Kev · May 27, 2013, 07:12 PM

Lol...well there's that. I don't know why I didn't think of that!
The range here only allows slugs.
I need to get to an outdoor range that will let me try some of my low recoil LE rounds of 00.

BigD_in_FL · May 27, 2013, 07:34 PM

Try shooting VERY light target loads to get a feel for the gun. Shooting uber loads like that will do a LOT of permanent damage to your shoulder

Kev · May 27, 2013, 07:40 PM

Thanks
Here's a quick pic of the bruiser lol

BigD_in_FL · May 27, 2013, 08:30 PM

I was not in the military with the M4, so I find those types of pistol grips to transmit more recoil than a standard shotgun stock. Those type of grips really punish the web between thumb and forefinger - which generally means your grip changes and you let more recoil pummel your shoulder; adding weight to the stock will help reduce actual recoil. try taking lead tape, or fill empty hulls all the way with lead or similar

The heaviest gun with the lightest loads will give you the least recoil

hogdogs · May 27, 2013, 09:53 PM

I saw the gun at end of thread and attest to what BigD said and second that the stock is not the ideal recoil mitigatory option...

Brent

Kev · May 27, 2013, 10:30 PM

Thanks. I really had no idea that the pistol grip changes the dynamics so drastically.
The only other SG I have shot was a Remington 1100 semi (beautiful gun) and a double barrel coach gun
Neither in any quantity, too busy emptying 45 acp magazines lol

jaguarxk120 · May 28, 2013, 07:50 AM

Stevens states that the Model 320 weighs in at 7 pounds. A Remington 1100 autoloader comes in at 8 pounds. A Ithaca Featherlite weighs in a 7.6 pounds.

That Stevens is a VERY light shotgun compared to the loads you have used. No wonder it kicks! Slugs/buckshot will kick like heck with that light a gun.

You might want to consider adding some weight to the stock and forearm to bring the guns weight up to help reduce recoil under those slug loadings.

Kev · May 28, 2013, 08:29 AM

Thanks, I like the gun, but honestly I couldn't through 5 rounds.
The funny thing was I took my wife with me and I was going to enjoy watching her shoot it..but she was smarter than me and said NO WAY!
Lol

I will still look for a heavy duty recoil pad as well as adding weight.

I may have been a victim of tacti-cool itis with this purchase.

hogdogs · May 28, 2013, 09:32 AM

Also the angles of a an AR style stock usually leave your face (eye) too low so you raise off the stock (lose cheek weld) and beat your face up too...

Brnet

Kev · May 28, 2013, 10:09 AM

That's the one thing I did right.
Kept her snug and cheek to stock.
Just felt like a gorilla punched my shoulder that's all

Skarekrow88 · May 28, 2013, 04:36 PM

Limbsavers large slip-on recoil pad. I put one on my M320 and I can shoot it with 3-inch magnum loads all day long. Liked it so much I put one on my Franchi SPAS-12 too. Works like a dream

Kev · May 28, 2013, 04:52 PM

Thanks for that, good to know which one to buy!

g.willikers · May 28, 2013, 05:29 PM

Why a slip on, instead of replacing the pad?
Adding one to the existing pad might lengthen the gun too much.
If it's then too long, an ill fitting gun might hurt even more.
Along with putting weight in the hollow stock, you can also get a shoulder pad to help even more.
Like one of these - http://www.brownells.com/shooting-ac...prod23169.aspx

Old Grump · May 28, 2013, 06:20 PM

Before you add or do anything how is the length of pull and drop at comb and heel compared to a shotgun that fits you. I can shoot 3 1/2" slugs or buckshot in my 10 gauge without batting an eyelash but one of my 12 gauges knocks the mucus clean out of my sinus cavities shooting 2 3/4" #6 bird shot. It's a family heirloom so I'm not touching it but I don't shoot it much either. Fit is everything.

Kev · May 28, 2013, 06:33 PM

Well Old Grump...
This is my first shotgun purchase.
Never really wanted one till recently then got a wild hair and bought this one.
I shot a friends Remi 1100 that was almost a joy to shoot....It also had about 18 more inches of barrel on it compared to this.
So I don't have a long history of "my old 870 fit just as good" to compare it to.

jaguarxk120 · May 28, 2013, 07:08 PM

The Remington 1100 is considered as a soft shooting gun. The gas operation takes up some of the recoil, plus the extra overall weight.

Give the gun a try with some light skeet loads, or if you can find some Winchester AAL12 Xtra-Lite 2 3/4 dram 1 oz. load of shot, 1180 fps.

Old Grump · May 28, 2013, 07:57 PM

AA is good, so is Federal and Remington low recoil 2 3/4" shells and I like the Fiocchi reduced recoil 00 for rapid fire drills on multiple targets. I wouldn't hesitate to use the Fiocchi for self defense if needed, they aren't shabby.

Kev · May 28, 2013, 08:34 PM

Any input on the Agulia mini shells?

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/produc...e-all-12-gauge

Old Grump · May 28, 2013, 09:28 PM

Never tried them so no personal experience. I heard some guns don't feed them but those that do have an advantage because you gain a couple or three rounds.

Kev · May 28, 2013, 10:14 PM

I think I may grab a box and see how they do.
I read they won't work in all guns, 100% not in a semi but a pump we will see

Noreaster · May 30, 2013, 12:42 PM

Go to Wally world and buy a box of 100 low base #8 shot. Check out You Tube or whatever and watch how to shoot a shotgun. If you stick your strong arm straight out to your side like a scarecrow and then bring your arm forward to a 45' angle you will find a pocket in your shoulder between the collarbone and front deltoid. When you mount the shotgun the toe of the stock goes right there and the comb of the stock comes up to your cheek. Tuck it in and lean slightly forward when you shoot. When you go back to heavy loads like buckshot and slugs always end the day with the #8 shot, it will help mitigate flinch.

May 27, 2013, 06:32 PM	#1
Kev Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2013 Posts: 661	Shot my Stevens 320 today.. First time at the range with my Stevens 320. No real history with shotguns. Just small caliber rifles and handguns. Well.... Tucked her in tight, racked the pump and lit a slug off. Ouch...repeat and Ouch! Looking at slip on recoil pads.. Any recommendations? __________________ "Classic over Plastic"

May 27, 2013, 07:12 PM	#3
Kev Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2013 Posts: 661	Lol...well there's that. I don't know why I didn't think of that! The range here only allows slugs. I need to get to an outdoor range that will let me try some of my low recoil LE rounds of 00. __________________ "Classic over Plastic"

May 27, 2013, 07:40 PM	#5
Kev Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2013 Posts: 661	Thanks Here's a quick pic of the bruiser lol __________________ "Classic over Plastic"

May 28, 2013, 08:29 AM	#10
Kev Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2013 Posts: 661	Thanks, I like the gun, but honestly I couldn't through 5 rounds. The funny thing was I took my wife with me and I was going to enjoy watching her shoot it..but she was smarter than me and said NO WAY! Lol I will still look for a heavy duty recoil pad as well as adding weight. I may have been a victim of tacti-cool itis with this purchase. __________________ "Classic over Plastic"

May 28, 2013, 10:09 AM	#12
Kev Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2013 Posts: 661	That's the one thing I did right. Kept her snug and cheek to stock. Just felt like a gorilla punched my shoulder that's all __________________ "Classic over Plastic"

May 27, 2013, 07:09 PM	#2
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,619	Stop shooting such heavy loadings.

May 27, 2013, 07:34 PM	#4
BigD_in_FL Junior member Join Date: December 20, 2012 Location: The "Gunshine State" Posts: 1,981	Try shooting VERY light target loads to get a feel for the gun. Shooting uber loads like that will do a LOT of permanent damage to your shoulder

May 27, 2013, 08:30 PM	#6
BigD_in_FL Junior member Join Date: December 20, 2012 Location: The "Gunshine State" Posts: 1,981	I was not in the military with the M4, so I find those types of pistol grips to transmit more recoil than a standard shotgun stock. Those type of grips really punish the web between thumb and forefinger - which generally means your grip changes and you let more recoil pummel your shoulder; adding weight to the stock will help reduce actual recoil. try taking lead tape, or fill empty hulls all the way with lead or similar The heaviest gun with the lightest loads will give you the least recoil

May 27, 2013, 09:53 PM	#7
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	I saw the gun at end of thread and attest to what BigD said and second that the stock is not the ideal recoil mitigatory option... Brent

May 27, 2013, 10:30 PM	#8
Kev Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2013 Posts: 661	Thanks. I really had no idea that the pistol grip changes the dynamics so drastically. The only other SG I have shot was a Remington 1100 semi (beautiful gun) and a double barrel coach gun Neither in any quantity, too busy emptying 45 acp magazines lol __________________ "Classic over Plastic"

May 28, 2013, 07:50 AM	#9
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,619	Stevens states that the Model 320 weighs in at 7 pounds. A Remington 1100 autoloader comes in at 8 pounds. A Ithaca Featherlite weighs in a 7.6 pounds. That Stevens is a VERY light shotgun compared to the loads you have used. No wonder it kicks! Slugs/buckshot will kick like heck with that light a gun. You might want to consider adding some weight to the stock and forearm to bring the guns weight up to help reduce recoil under those slug loadings.

May 28, 2013, 09:32 AM	#11
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	Also the angles of a an AR style stock usually leave your face (eye) too low so you raise off the stock (lose cheek weld) and beat your face up too... Brnet

May 28, 2013, 04:36 PM	#13
Skarekrow88 Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 332	Limbsavers large slip-on recoil pad. I put one on my M320 and I can shoot it with 3-inch magnum loads all day long. Liked it so much I put one on my Franchi SPAS-12 too. Works like a dream __________________ "A life fought for others is a life worth living"

May 28, 2013, 04:52 PM	#14
Kev Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2013 Posts: 661	Thanks for that, good to know which one to buy! __________________ "Classic over Plastic"

May 28, 2013, 05:29 PM	#15
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Why a slip on, instead of replacing the pad? Adding one to the existing pad might lengthen the gun too much. If it's then too long, an ill fitting gun might hurt even more. Along with putting weight in the hollow stock, you can also get a shoulder pad to help even more. Like one of these - http://www.brownells.com/shooting-ac...prod23169.aspx __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

May 28, 2013, 06:20 PM	#16
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	Before you add or do anything how is the length of pull and drop at comb and heel compared to a shotgun that fits you. I can shoot 3 1/2" slugs or buckshot in my 10 gauge without batting an eyelash but one of my 12 gauges knocks the mucus clean out of my sinus cavities shooting 2 3/4" #6 bird shot. It's a family heirloom so I'm not touching it but I don't shoot it much either. Fit is everything. __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

May 28, 2013, 06:33 PM	#17
Kev Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2013 Posts: 661	Well Old Grump... This is my first shotgun purchase. Never really wanted one till recently then got a wild hair and bought this one. I shot a friends Remi 1100 that was almost a joy to shoot....It also had about 18 more inches of barrel on it compared to this. So I don't have a long history of "my old 870 fit just as good" to compare it to. __________________ "Classic over Plastic"

May 28, 2013, 07:08 PM	#18
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,619	The Remington 1100 is considered as a soft shooting gun. The gas operation takes up some of the recoil, plus the extra overall weight. Give the gun a try with some light skeet loads, or if you can find some Winchester AAL12 Xtra-Lite 2 3/4 dram 1 oz. load of shot, 1180 fps.

May 28, 2013, 07:57 PM	#19
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	AA is good, so is Federal and Remington low recoil 2 3/4" shells and I like the Fiocchi reduced recoil 00 for rapid fire drills on multiple targets. I wouldn't hesitate to use the Fiocchi for self defense if needed, they aren't shabby. __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

May 28, 2013, 08:34 PM	#20
Kev Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2013 Posts: 661	Any input on the Agulia mini shells? http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/produc...e-all-12-gauge __________________ "Classic over Plastic"

May 28, 2013, 09:28 PM	#21
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	Never tried them so no personal experience. I heard some guns don't feed them but those that do have an advantage because you gain a couple or three rounds. __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

May 28, 2013, 10:14 PM	#22
Kev Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2013 Posts: 661	I think I may grab a box and see how they do. I read they won't work in all guns, 100% not in a semi but a pump we will see __________________ "Classic over Plastic"

May 30, 2013, 12:42 PM	#23
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	Go to Wally world and buy a box of 100 low base #8 shot. Check out You Tube or whatever and watch how to shoot a shotgun. If you stick your strong arm straight out to your side like a scarecrow and then bring your arm forward to a 45' angle you will find a pocket in your shoulder between the collarbone and front deltoid. When you mount the shotgun the toe of the stock goes right there and the comb of the stock comes up to your cheek. Tuck it in and lean slightly forward when you shoot. When you go back to heavy loads like buckshot and slugs always end the day with the #8 shot, it will help mitigate flinch.

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