How To Reduce Shotgun Recoil

There are many areas of study in handling shotgun recoil. The proper stance, leaning into the shotgun, is the first step. If you don’t grip the shotgun properly and keep the stock hard into the shoulder while leaning into the shotgun, nothing else will help.

However, even so, shotguns kick and kick a lot, and hard, with defense loads and heavy field loads. There are several answers. Reducing the payload isn’t an option. While reduced recoil loads are still effective, I don’t wish to reduce the payload itself; velocity may be reduced for some uses. 

I use standard #00 buckshot for home and area defense. Some of these loads are effective to approximately 25 yards. Federal’s Flite Wad loads maintain a consistent pattern and deliver a hard hit. In most instances, I have found that a single load of double-ought buckshot is sufficient.

Just the same, we don’t go about armed with a single-shot shotgun, and I like the Savage Renegauge Security automatic shotgun. I am not willing to compromise wound potential. Some deploy the ineffective mini shells in their shotguns.

These aberrations are unreliable even in purpose-designed shotguns intended to feed these stubby shells. The pattern is less impressive compared to 2 ¾-inch shells. Those with a mixed load of different sizes shot throw the load all over the paper. To put it simply, I have no use for them. And of course they will not operate any self loading shotgun.

The Shotgun 

Shotguns are fired largely by feel. You track the target, move smoothly, squeeze the trigger, and fire.

A stock that fits the shoulder and body well is essential. Some use AR or AK-type and bullpup-type shotguns. I may only conclude that they don’t understand shotguns. These firearms demand the shotgun be aimed as carefully as a rifle.

They are limited in usefulness. If you disagree, shoot a 3Gun match with your alternate shotgun and get back to me.

All this said, the shotgun kicks it must as it throws a heavy payload. Let’s examine some factors that may help control recoil.

Woox Stocks

Shotgun stocks are a funny thing. As an example, I own an old utility shotgun, a Savage 20-gauge, with a nice recoil pad. This single-shot shotgun is a joy to fire and use. It is fine for a walk in the woods.

An Ithaca 410 has a straight stock that simply kicks despite the gun’s weight, and it is a 410! Let’s look at one of the best examples of proper stock design. The Woox stock is beautifully made. Fit and finish is superb. But behind the looks is one of the most intelligent designs for shotgun stocks.

Woox raw materials are selected for their grain and then given a fine finish that results in a presentation-grade finish. The Woox stock is easily mounted to the receiver, in this case, a Mossberg 500. The action demands an adaptor to mate to the receiver as the stock angle is different from that of the factory shotgun. The Woox stock features a Microcell recoil pad. This is beneficial.

Another improvement over factory stocks is the ability to set the length of pull properly. Simply remove the provided spacers to achieve the best fit for shoulder-to-trigger manipulation. I added a Woox stock to a Mossberg 500. The 500 is reliable and sometimes available at bargain prices in the pawn shop. The result was a severely upgraded shotgun. Recoil is modest, and the shotgun handles better due to the superior grip angle. 

The butt stock isn’t the whole show. The Woox forend is ergonomically designed to offer good reach and leverage when racking the action. The forend is designed to prevent your hand from slipping. Water, perspiration, or oil, no matter what, you have a firm grip.

The Gladiatore forend also features M Lok rails for a combat light. The Gladiator combination is highly recommended.

Falcon Strike Recoil Reducer 

The FalconStrike recoil reducer is easily installed. Remove the existing butt plate and install the FalconStrike unit’s mounting plate with two screws. (The FalconStrike is also available for rifles, including the AR-15.)

The rubber portion is rolled back over the hydraulic unit.  Two tabs are opened as the actual FalconStrike unit is pressed into the butt plate. Close the flipper taps, and this secures the device in place. Roll the rubber pad back over the unit. The device is nicely made, and the pad itself is comfortable. FalconStrike claims a recoil reduction of up to 80 percent. That is a lot, but the action, borrowed from the aerospace industry, is very well designed.

Recoil causes soreness and fatigue that reduces your shooting time, and if she “kicks like a mule,” flinching can mess with your accuracy. This is why we created FalconStrike. FalconStrike utilizes patented hydraulic dampening technology borrowed from the aerospace industry—which converts recoil energy (up to 80%) into heat—that is then absorbed and distributed evenly at the point of contact (your shoulder).

FalconStrike mounts quickly and easily to your Shotgun or Hunting Rifle’s buttstock with only two screws. Less recoil means more time shooting, faster follow-up shots, and less flinching for more accuracy.

Final Thoughts

To the best of my ability, all the claims are true. Certainly, the claims concerning easy installation and workmanship are accurate.

I installed the FalconStrike on a Mossberg 500 12-gauge pump. A pump action isn’t nearly as efficient as an automatic in harnessing recoil energy, so this was a good test. I also briefly tested the device on a 1960s Colt automatic 12-gauge. The Colt already had a broken stock and the lessened thump was comfortable. The verdict? It is difficult to gauge the extra comfort. Any relief from a shotgun’s pounding is good.

My shoulder tells me that the difference is around fifty percent less momentum. Mileage may vary. The greatest value is found in the harder kicking loads. A full-power loading or a Magnum load, say a 12-pellet Magnum load, becomes much easier to handle. My shotgun isn’t strictly a defensive piece.

There are two barrels, including an 18.5 barrel with choke tubes and a 28-inch ribbed sporting barrel. A day in the field with game loads is tiring, to say the least. The FalconStrike helps a great deal. I am considering setting up an automatic shotgun with the FalconStrike for home defense.

The point is- we could certainly stand to fire a few shells if needed. However, to master the piece, we need more practice. Practice sessions are more comfortable with less recoil. The reason shotguns are underutilized and not used as they should be is because of recoil. Folks are scared of recoil or at least shy away from it. I don’t blame them. The Woox stock is a great improvement. The FalconStrike is as well.

An overlooked option for controlling recoil is the choke tube. TruGlo offers a choke tube with a built-in muzzle brake.

So does Avian X. These two options are good choices for a chore that wasn’t the original intent- personal defense.

Every option helps, and these two tools work well. Don’t let the shotgun beat you up. Take control of recoil impulse and make it work in your favor.