Gas vs. Recoil

Melos · July 14, 2002, 06:45 AM

I have read in the archives that, unlike gas operated shotguns, recoil operated shotguns kick like pump shotguns.

In shotguns, what's the difference between gas operated and recoil operated ?

Dave McC · July 14, 2002, 07:14 AM

Gas autos and recoil operated ones have exactly the same recoil, all else equal. But....

The gas auto's mechanism spreads the recoil out a bit over time,thus giving a longer but less violent push.

Melos · July 14, 2002, 07:27 AM

Thanks, Dave.

Is there a difference between gas and recoil operation in terms of reliability and maintainance?

Gumbo · July 14, 2002, 11:40 PM

In a gas gun, some of the hot gas generated by the burning powder is bled from the barrel and used to actuate a piston. The action of the piston forces the action arm and bolt carrier rearward and allows for the next shot. With this system, very light loads will reliably cycle the action. In a recoil operated shotgun, the mechanics are little different and light loads will not always cycle the action. Hope this helps.

Dave McC · July 15, 2002, 05:20 AM

Recoil operated shotguns were once thought more reliable,Melos. Time,better engineering and owners who know more about proper cleaning and maintenance have narrowed the gap to almost zero.

A good example of either system is a good reliable shotgun. The kick reduction of the gas system is preferred by many. but there's lots of fanatical Benneli, A-5 and Model 11 fans still out there.

PJR · July 15, 2002, 11:43 AM

Bruce Buck compared two of the most popular gas guns, Beretta and Benelli, on his site and it's worth a look.

http://www.shotgunreport.com/TechTec...14-Jul-02.html

July 14, 2002, 06:45 AM	#1
Melos Member Join Date: June 27, 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 91	Gas vs. Recoil I have read in the archives that, unlike gas operated shotguns, recoil operated shotguns kick like pump shotguns. In shotguns, what's the difference between gas operated and recoil operated ?

July 14, 2002, 07:14 AM	#2
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Gas autos and recoil operated ones have exactly the same recoil, all else equal. But.... The gas auto's mechanism spreads the recoil out a bit over time,thus giving a longer but less violent push.

July 14, 2002, 07:27 AM	#3
Melos Member Join Date: June 27, 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 91	Thanks, Dave. Is there a difference between gas and recoil operation in terms of reliability and maintainance?

July 14, 2002, 11:40 PM	#4
Gumbo Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 1999 Posts: 150	In a gas gun, some of the hot gas generated by the burning powder is bled from the barrel and used to actuate a piston. The action of the piston forces the action arm and bolt carrier rearward and allows for the next shot. With this system, very light loads will reliably cycle the action. In a recoil operated shotgun, the mechanics are little different and light loads will not always cycle the action. Hope this helps.

July 15, 2002, 05:20 AM	#5
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Recoil operated shotguns were once thought more reliable,Melos. Time,better engineering and owners who know more about proper cleaning and maintenance have narrowed the gap to almost zero. A good example of either system is a good reliable shotgun. The kick reduction of the gas system is preferred by many. but there's lots of fanatical Benneli, A-5 and Model 11 fans still out there.

July 15, 2002, 11:43 AM	#6
PJR Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2000 Posts: 1,127	Bruce Buck compared two of the most popular gas guns, Beretta and Benelli, on his site and it's worth a look. http://www.shotgunreport.com/TechTec...14-Jul-02.html