16ga.com ~ View topic - 2 guns with vastly different perceived recoil?

I went to the club yesterday, and two of the guns I brought were my Stevens 620 and my Savage 311. The Savage used to beat me up, so I put a new laminate stock (heavy) with a limbsaver recoil pad.
I was surprised when I shot the SxS after shooting my pump. The recoil seemed nearly double and it was not pleasant.
The SxS weighs 7 3/4 lb. The pump 7 1/2 lb.
The loads were all Rem factory game loads 1 oz. 1200 fps.
The only thing I can think of is gun fit?
What else could there be? I really want to put the original wood stock back on the SxS, but I am sure waiting until my factory ammo is used up.
I can't wait until Charles' new wads arrive!!
I am starting to feel the same way about my pump as Charles H. feels about his model 90's.

Member Joined: 25 Jul 2006 Posts: 781

I think your guess is "zactly" right.

Thre is probably a big difference in drop. Measure the DAC, DAC and post them for both guns.

Pitch can made a difference too.

Jeff

Member Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 972 Location: Keller,TX

You must also consider the thickness of the comb- whether it is thin at the top and "sharper" or wider and more gradually rounded to allow more of your face to come in contact with the comb.

One factor that can have a substantial effect on perceived or felt recoil is headspace. Give a shell head a free running start at the fixed breech of a break open gun and it will increase the amount of force felt against the shoulder and cheek every time. Increased inertia from the velocity of the shell coming back contributes more than you'd think. Consider the inertia hammer dent puller. If you pull on the handle, the dent stays where it is. Just give the weight a few wacks against the stop and the dent pops right out. INERTA AT WORK.

Most pump guns tend to have a little more headspace than your average new break open. However, the bolt and locking mechanism also tend to have some flex or give. This helps mitigate the effects. However, older, well used break opens tend to also have increased headspace due to wear.

Member Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 3438 Location: Illinois

The shape of a stock is a major contributer to the felt recoil--- Wink

The answer is no you are not crazy Wink

620 LOP=14" DAC=2" DAH=2.5"
311 LOP=15 3/8" and 14 3/8" DAC=2.5" DAH=3"

Recoil was to the shoulder not the face.
3/4 oz reloads should be the cure.
16GG may have a point about headspace. The opening lever is heading past 6 o'clock. This oldie may have many many rounds through it. Next trip to the gunsmith I will ask for a measurement.
Would excessive headspace be a safety issue in a SxS?

Member Joined: 25 Jul 2006 Posts: 781

A large drop does increase recoil to the shoulder (and the face) because the force is not straight back. It strikes the shoulder at an angle. Look at the guns like the Barret .50 and you'll see that an effort is made to keep the barrel in a direct line to the shoulder.

Your 311 has a LOT of drop and that is a problem that there is no simple solution to.

Jeff

those dac # correct? should be in the 1 1/4 to maybe 1 5/8's range, even on old guns, which your 311 isn't. I might suggest a remeasure. and whats the difference between the LOP on the 311? Assuming that the measurements are correct, 1 or both arent even close to fitting you.

the loosness in the sxs can be checked easily(for the most part) is the lever center, or slightly to right? with the forearm of, can you move the barrels, with the gun locked up?