[ted c.]

My single shot 12 (h&r) has bagged more game than I can count. The idea of my $78.00 gun bringging home the bacon has been a great joy to me.. however, on my most recent hunt with it, it almost kicked my 45 year old teeth out of my head. I think a heavier gun or maybe even a 20 ga is in order, thinking of a rem pump 12? What do you think?

 

[O'Connersun]

A good recoil pad on the single shot, or a better designed stock, may make the felt recoil lighter on your meat gun. Pumps don't have a lot going for them in lessening felt recoil either, unless you add things like pads, recoil compensators or ProPorting the barrel. A good, gas operated semi-auto will probably do more to lessen felt recoil than most others, in either 20 or 12 gauge.

 

[GerstnerUSA.com]

Yep I agree... A semi auto runs real smooth! I use a Browning Auto5 12g or Rem 1100LT 20g in the field and a Win SuperX2 in the duck blind. If you are shooting steel shot stick with a 12g.... I tend to like the light 20g when walking corn and shooting lead! Just my 2 cents I have a single shot 12g H&R i keep in the boat for cripples and it kicks like a mule!!!

 

[jmortimer]

For what is worth, the Mossberg 930 semi-auto seems to be the best deal out there. Reliable and good price.

 

[jbee]

> Pumps don't have a lot going for them in lessening felt recoil either

I agree, after 25 rounds I usually have a big bruise on my shoulder. I just picked up a recoil butt pad and have a few reactar harnesses by Browning I may try. I am still getting the replacement adjustable stock with the shock absorber built in.

 

[unclepaddy]

It's no fun on recoil, but if you want a pump get the model 37 ithaca. far and away a superior pump to the model 870. I own both.

 

[jaguarxk120]

To "Want a New Gun" enough reason to buy one. Won't tell you what to buy because my likes and dislikes are different. Just buy what you like/want and enjoy the new/used gun.

 

[Marshal Kane]

As long as you think you need one, I think you need a new gun too! That's all the reason you really need.

 

[Old Grump]

My single shot 12 (h&r) has bagged more game than I can count. The idea of my $78.00 gun bringging home the bacon has been a great joy to me.. however, on my most recent hunt with it, it almost kicked my 45 year old teeth out of my head. I think a heavier gun or maybe even a 20 ga is in order, thinking of a rem pump 12? What do you think?

You may have noticed you are getting older, a heavier gun won't be any fun to carry around. Your body may be slowly shifting shape and muscle mass is going away while your old bones are getting more tender.

Now you know why us some of us old dinosaurs went to 20 gauge. I have a pot full of 12's all good, and a 10 that is sinfully fun to shoot but for bringing home something to eat with a minimum of pain I find the 20 works just fine. 2 3/4" shells work just fine too, I have yet to see a turkey that needs a magnum shell out of a 12 gauge to convince him he is dead.