Recoil Comparison O&U v's Pump

S

S.F.S

New member
What is the recoil like on a Ruger Red Label 20ga.? I have shot a friends Russian made 12ga not sure what kind it was (long gone now) except it was extremly stiff and would not eject the shells reliably. That had the more felt recoil than an 870 with 3 1/2" super magnum loads :eek:

I currently own 2 870's (12ga) and have shot 12ga 1187's several times along with 12ga Beratta 390's.
 
The only way to know is to shoot one for yourself. Felt recoil is a product of many factors including stock design and gun fit. I've found the Ruskie guns (and vintage american sxs) often have excessive stock drop and that can make a gun hard on the shoulder. So too can thin or non-existent recoil pads.

If your 870 isn't hurting you, measure the stock for length and drop and compare it to the stocks on a Red Label. If they are reasonably close there shouldn't be a problem. One thing to note however is gun weight. A heavier gun kicks less and sometimes a light 20 can kick as hard as a heavy 12.

Paul
 
What PJR said. Little differences can make a big difference. Whether it's a pump, SXS or OU should matter naught. It's all the little stuff that matters.

Sam
 
Amen to Paul and Sam. Felt recoil in a non gas operated shotgun is independent of action type.

A small theoretical advantage may go to using the bottom bbl of an O/U since it's more of a straight back push, but a stock fitting the shooter of any type shotgun would render the difference unnoticeable...
 
Ruger 20 GA

I have had experience with the Ruger 20 ga as I owned one for a few years. It was my cold weather gun as the stock was short enough to shoot comfortably wearing layers of clothing. Mine was a 30" Pistol Grip sporting Clays model.

Rugers tend to be hard on the shoulder. Must have something to do with the stock design which is the gun's weakpoint. My gun was tolerable but I rarely used it in warm weather so I never really noticed the recoil. However if I did not do a good mount my cheek felt like I had just insulted a left handed continental woman.

I was very annoyed by the rattling in the rib, which is common on Rugers as the rib is only soldered at the front and back.

The action was tight and solid, ejectors always worked, automatic safety was a PITA and I never had it removed, Barrel Selector/safety was cheesy but always worked.

As with anything else you have to experience the gun yourself to find out whether you can tolerate the recoil. Is the recoil worse than a 20 ga pump? Only you can answer that one.
 
OK guys here's the problem I broke my back about 4 yrs ago and was left with shattered and broken vertebra's and also nerve damage in my neck, so recoil tends to get me hurting. Thank God Im still here and able to walk.
Anyways when I was Duck hunting this year (first year) I did not have much of a problem with the 870 Express, though I was dressed in layers. Deer hunting Im not concerned with since there isn't alot of shooting involved.
My problem is when shooting trap and sporting clays the 870 pump is taking its toll on me. I had a Kick-eez pad installed on my Wingmaster which helped a little help but not much.

So I have been looking into another shotgun. I looked at the recoil operated Bernelli, nice looking gun dont know how the recoil is, Im figuring more than a gas operated though. And the Red Label I saw used, looks real sweet and so was the Beretta's I looked at. At least with an O&U they tend to be more reliable then a semi-auto.

Scott
 
In your situation the standard recommendation is to go with one of two guns. Remington 1100 or Beretta 390/391. Both are soft shooting guns and are reliable.

Back pain is no fun when you shoot.

Some tips for people with sensitive backs.

Learn to swing your body and gun from the legs rather than from the waist. Takes pressure off the back and the swing is more level.

Make sure the butt of the gun is in the shoulder pocket and learn proper shotgunning stance. Don't stand up straight like you would with a rifle, lean slightly into the gun (slightly, don't fall on your face trying this!).

Think about getting one of those golf cart takeoffs for shotguns so you don't have to carry a heavy ammo bag. Some guys make them from golf bag carriers they rescued from the trash. This is especially important in games like Sporting Clays but is usefull for Skeet and Trap too (Placed behind the firing line of course)

Pop a couple of your favorite pain killers before you shoot. Non prescription products of course:D My favorite is Aleve, helps when my back is acting up.

If you are really in pain, stay home! Shotgunning will make it worse! I know, I speak from experience here, more than once:o

If it hurts to do it, don't do it. High driven birds in Sporting Clays are death to bad backs:mad:

Take up Sporting Clays, you might run into a good chiropractor.
 
I feel your pain,Scott.Two herniated discs (T-4+5),a pinched nerve in my neck, and some ripped muscles all keep me aware that life is fleeting.

A couple suggestions on dealing with recoil....

First, instead of shooting a great deal, shoot a round or two, then take a good long break in a seat with some support.Sometimes I use my car.

Second, most target loads for the 20 gauge run 7/8 oz. An oz load in a light 20 will get your attention. So, drop the speed, drop the weight, and use one of your excellent 12 gauges.

I worked up some 7/8 oz loads in the course of developing something Son could shoot. Tried a box of them at 16 yard trap singles. Didn't powder as many, but broke as many as with my usual load.

HTH....
 
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