The Bruise

K

ktmhk53

New member
Greetings,
While not new to rifle shooting, I am new to the shotgun. After various loads I have settled on one that always cycles my Benelli M1 Entry without unnecessary recoil. But I need to know, How do I prevent the bruising I get when I shoot this gun. I try to keep the stock tight against my body, but even with a shoulder mounted recoil pad I still leave the range black and blue. Is this just genetics?

14/88

ktmhk53
 
Its most likely genetic but that shouldn't prevent you from finding some way to stop your bruising. Perhaps some recoil reducers could help. If you search the archive you can find instruction to make your own home made recoil reducer.

If you want a commercial variety, check out http://www.graco-corp.com/products.htm

They have mercury reducers and compression buttplates, they could alleviate your bruising.

hope this helps,

-Dan
 
I'm 5'8" 200lbs 48in chest and will bruise after a box of light 8's. So I don't size or lack thereof plays a big part in bruising.
 
Greetings again,
Thanks for the "genetic" support. As I have had no formal training, would someone direct me as to the proper placement of the buttstock and overall shooting stance?

14/88

ktmhk53
 
I'll bring up an old thread on mounting, KT.

There's more to it, tho.

Start off with the lightest loads that will cycle that thing, use proper stance and maybe even shorten your range time.

Having never owned a Benelli, I've no idea how it functions with some added weight, but a Side Saddle, Mag extension, butt cuff, etc will help.

HTH....
 
ktmhk53,

Let us know what loads you are using as well as what kind of shooting you do.

Gotta ask you this as well, do you have a fair share of 'flab' on you? It is usually fat on the body that brusies easily, it is much harder to get a bruise on muscle, leaner tissue. If this is the case and you love shotgunning, then you may have to live with bruises.

Good recoil compensators like previously mentioned will help.

Lastly, find out how well-fitted the stock & overall shotgun is to your framesize. A short or long stock may be causeing some of your problems.
 
A nice, soft recoil pad has completely eliminated bruising from my shotgun experiences. 'Tother day I shot two rounds of sporting clays back-to-back...no bruises. And I'm a lightly-built, boney guy.
 
Adding weight, porting, etc tend to adversely affect the reliablity on the Benelli. I would think that mercury or spring type recoil reducers would too. I am sure that they can be set up ok for those mods, but the people that I shoot with have recurring problems when they modify them. I would go with a really good Decilerater or similar 1"+ pad and the lightest loads that will consistantly cycle it. I shoot heavy loads in my 870, but it weighs a lot with the loaded side saddle, cantilever bbl, red dot, sling, mag ext, etc and I never seem to have a problem. It also has a steel receiver.......
 
Hmm...I wouldn't resort to gadgets just yet. A trick for mounting the gun that has worked for me is to hold the shotgun in your right hand only, point it to the sky. Put the top of the butt right UNDER your collarbone. Rotate the gun into position. This should get the butt right in your shoulder's pocket. Push the butt into your shoulder pocket firmly. Try holding the shotgun as firm as you would shake another man's hand. Keep a firm cheek weld. See if this helps.
 
IM TELLING YA, THE COMPSTOCK IS THE WAY TO GO

My very first days at the range with my 870 were always followed by pain and discomfort. Not to mention a football sized bruise on my body.

My last time out to the range with my CompStock, I went through 350 Brenneke slugs. I walked away without a pain in the world while every other shotgunner there thought that I must have been into pain (lol).

If your serious about reducing recoil and recovery time on your 870, take my advice. :cool: Good luck.
 
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