45-70 vs 12ga slug

[ncpreacherboy1]

I am looking at buying a new handi(maybe new-to-me). I am looking at the ultra hunter stainless 45-70 with the thumbhole stock and the 12 ga USH with the thumbhole stock. Question is which is going to be better recoil wise? Either would be fitted with a Limbsaver pad and probably other recoil reducing efforts.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Joe

[mechanic]

The 45-70 will have lighter recoil with factory loads.  If you reload to Ruger 1 levels, it would be debatable.

[greg916]

I shoot a Marlin 12 ga slugmaster, and a 45-70 Handi. The 45-70 with 400 gr bullets kicks harder than the Marlin with Winchester 1oz BRI slugs, but he Marlin is much heavier.  I hunt some areas that are shotgun only, if not for that , I would only use the 45-70.

[tykempster]

Versus stout slug loads, factory 45-70 stuff will leave you wondering if the bullet is still in the barrel.

[Empty Quiver]

Compare the projectile weight and velocities on the loads you expect to shoot. With it being the same gun you won't be trying to compare stock design, barrel weight will be different though. In my opinion the 12 can't hardly help but be harder kicking but, I have no direct experience. My Marlin 1895 with the leverevolution ammo reminds me of the Wingmaster with 2 3/4" Pheasant loads.

[The Hermit]

Tyke is right. I have both 45-70 Handi and shoot Hornady LE and 400 GR stuff. Recoil is mild compared to 12 Ga. 3" slugs in my Handi Pardner. 3 1/2 turkey loads are quite a jolt too. 2 3/4 Rem slugs not so bad.
You can get the job done with either and match loads to suit your needs and comfort level.
For me, I pull the gun into my shoulder and have a good grip on the forearm. That way I don't get "scoped" with the 45-70. Some of us are gluttons for punishment, so I been told. But either is a REAL Mans Gun !.
This should generate some comment for sure.  Havin fun....
    
     The Hermit

[ruppster]

I have a Handi 45-70 and a Rossi 12ga slug gun. I would say recoil is similar for my loadings. I do shoot 2 3/4" slugs from the Rossi. I would have bought the slug gun in 20ga if the shop had one. If you look at them, trapdoor 45-70 and sabotted slug ballistics are not very far apart.

[petemi]

Before I put shot in the stock of the .45-70, I really couldn't tell the difference between shooting the Handi .45-70 with Hornady LEs or the Pardner 20 ga. with 2 3/4" rifled slugs.  Both, to me are not uncomfortable for a few rounds with their factory recoil pads.  My 12 ga. is my old original J.C. Higgins pump that may dad gave me 54 years ago.  It's heavier than a Handi, but kicks about the same as the other two with slugs.

Pete