Author Topic: rifle kick compared to shotgun? (Read 714 times)

Arzt_Haus · « **on:** October 30, 2004, 01:58:34 PM »

i was just wondering how a rifle kicks to a shotgun. I own a 12-gauge shotgun and have shot it many times and the recoill doesnt bother be a whole lot and the ammo i use isnt that big, but i have shot a slug once and i didnt really feel any difference, so do you think i could handle a rifle of about a .300 win mag?

Patriot_1776 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 30, 2004, 05:04:37 PM »

I think with the experience you have stated with a 12ga, you could handle the recoil pretty well. But with a rifle, you are firing a single projectile, not like a shotgun (with the exception of using slugs), with which you need only point and shoot. With rifles, accuracy is the most necessary element to good shooting. That means you have to do your best to hold the rifle completely still while firing the gun. With that in mind, flinching can be the most common problem associated to poor accuracy with such a powerful rifle. So, the main possibility to be concerned with is that a flinch might inhibit your accuracy for a time, until you get used to it. For more info on rifle and shotgun recoil, please check the thread that discussed this more thoroughly: http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=42930

That will also help give you an idea in differences in felt recoil with different rounds and shotgun chamberings.

Patriot

Steelhead · « **Reply #2 on:** October 30, 2004, 05:43:17 PM »

For what it is worth. I just got a 416 Taylor built (458 Winchester magnum case necked down to 416). Firing 400 grain bullets at 2300 fps, and 350's at 2450 the recoil to me is much more "enjoyable" then some shotguns I have. A 7lb 12 gauge magnum with 3" 2oz loads of turkey shot are much more brutal. I also find my Win M 97 with heavy loads just eats me up for lunch. Of course both shotgun stocks have ALOT more drop to them.

300 mags in a normal weight rifle are VERY shootable. If you reload all the better, just start with reduced loads and work up. Also bring a 243 or something like it with you when you go to the range.

WildcatTC · « **Reply #3 on:** October 30, 2004, 06:05:10 PM »

From What I am seeing here The 12ga I shoot with 1 1/8 oz feild loads are kicking harder than a 7mm rem mag?.I can shoot 100 of rounds 12 ga with no problem. Could I handle a 7mm mag in the same manner?

I am getting older and really dont know how much gun to really buy.

jgalar · « **Reply #4 on:** October 30, 2004, 06:20:07 PM »

The big difference is shooting from the bench. When you shoot the shotgun you are standing without a rest or support so your whole body gives and takes with the recoil. With a rifle you are always looking for a rest or support and so you take the recoil more in the shoulder. Try shooting your shogun off a bench rest and you will notice the difference.

Steelhead · « **Reply #5 on:** October 30, 2004, 07:17:18 PM »

Quote

The big difference is shooting from the bench. When you shoot the shotgun you are standing without a rest or support so your whole body gives and takes with the recoil. With a rifle you are always looking for a rest or support and so you take the recoil more in the shoulder. Try shooting your shogun off a bench rest and you will notice the difference.

Yes, but I will say that the 416 isn't a problem from the bench either. Make sure you have a scope with good eye relief (read LEUPOLD) and keep your body as straight as possible, don't bend down to reach the gun.

As far as the shotgun goes, when I am shooting those turkey loads I am sitting with my back and shoulder against something, (just like I would when hunting with my back against a tree) and the do kick the snot out of you.

Arzt_Haus · « **Reply #6 on:** October 31, 2004, 02:41:08 AM »

ok, thanks a lot guys.

jgalar · « **Reply #7 on:** October 31, 2004, 03:00:48 AM »

You're right about the shotgun steelhead. When I think of shotguns I think of small furry woodland creatures and clays. I am not a turkey hunter so I didn't think about the heavy turkey loads shot while leaning back against a tree! However, I think it illustrates my point about the support issue. When one says they don't have a problem shooting 1 1/8 fields loads in the shotgun and tries to compare the recoil with a rifle, they should consider that even though the recoil energy may be similar the typical method of shooting them makes a big difference. If you shoot a shotgun like a rifle - hugging or leaning against a tree, over a bench, or prone you will notice the kick more. If you shoot a 300 Mag standing the recoil won't seem bad, but you may not be able to hit at distance without the support.

Gregory · « **Reply #8 on:** November 01, 2004, 12:33:02 PM »

I could run the numbers to confirm this but I have shot both my 12 ga. Rem 870 2 3/4" slugs from the bench, and my 300 Win Mag Ruger is the lesser of the two evils as far as recoil is concerned.

Patriot_1776 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 01, 2004, 01:18:50 PM »

I'll say further, that the 12ga. shotgun when benched using slugs is sure to wake anyone up. I fired a couple of slugs about 1 1/2 yrs ago, and I don't miss 'em! Even my 300 Wthby without the brake is more tame, in a certain point of view. But, I guess it all depends on what one likes to do to oneself when shooting. It's all the same to me. Every now and then, I still like the challenge of lettin' loose with a powerful punch on both sides of the gun, and still hitting what you're aimin' at (at least trying to!

). BTW, as well as I can recall, my first shot with a shotgun slug was about 6" to the right and 1" low at 100yds. I'd say that was a pretty good start, and I was using the fiber optic open sights to boot.

Patriot