Anything wrong with adding weight to a shotgun?

Question

To get less recoil when shooting a shotgun, would there be anything wrong with securely affixing some weights (like lead diving weights) around the the sides of the stock? It would look wierd and be heavier to carry, but it would reduce felt recoil without affecting accuracy, right?

Answer 1

Great idea in principle, but I am afraid that it would affect the handling to a dramatic extent.

What most people do is have a gunsmith drill the buttstock and put weight in the stock under the recoil pad.  I have seen it done with lead cylinders that fit in the hole and with a commercial product that contains mercury in a tube with baffles to control the movement of the mercury.  It does not take a whole lot of weight to reduce recoil significantly.

Either way, it will affect the balance, and you will have to compensate.  Personally, I like shotguns a little heavier in the rear and shoot better with added weight.

Answer 2

Adding weight to the shotgun would surely reduce felt recoil.... Why is the recoil bothering you?  Is it because your target practicing and shooting a lot of shot? Or are you just taking a couple of shots hunting with 3 1/2 inch turkey loads and the recoil is knocking the snot out of you??

I target practice every couple of weeks with a police type shotgun and fire about 50 rounds total of slugs and 00 buckshot.... In order to take the pounding I use a recoil pad. I also use 2 3/4 inch cartridges only...  I am a decent size guy but will not shoot 3 or 3 1/2 inch cartridges because the recoil is too much for me....... Unless I am hunting I dont fire those... I am out to enjoy myself - not get beat up but a shotgun.....

Take a look here and see if any of this info can help....

http://www.chuckhawks.com/shotgun_recoil...

http://www.chuckhawks.com/shotgun_recoil...

Answer 3

I would recommend a shot shell carrier, rather than useless lead weights. I understand where you're coming from though; Buckshot recoil is harsh, and slugs are simply brutal.

Answer 4

you could just use shells with less recoil

Answer 5

There wouldn't be anything wrong with adding weights to reduce felt recoil.  As somebody else already mentioned, however, be mindful with placement in terms of safety and balance.  Try to keep things away from moving parts of the firearm, for sure, and away from your hands (no need to risk an accidental discharge because something bumped the back of your trigger hand).

Other options could include:

- Recoil pads, like the Limbsaver or the Kick-Eez

- Recoil reducing stocks

- Pistol grips, either forward or rearward, which will help you absorb some of the recoil with your hands rather than the shoulder

- Switching to a "lighter" load, a smaller gauge, or a different action type

Answer 6

A better solution is to just buy a Limbsaver Brand recoil pad, because it reduces recoil by 50% on rifle or shotgun.* Forget about adding weights to your shotgun, get the Limbsaver recoil pad.*

Answer 7

Nothing wrong with the idea. Just be careful on the placement of the weights and try to keep the shotgun well balanced. It will affect your shooting and you will have to practice with the weighted shotgun to regain your accuracy.

Answer 8

G'day mate just put a thicker recoil pad  or a slip on recoil pad no matter what you do the shot gun will always kick up.and back.Or use lighter rounds, or where a football Jersey with all the padding and helmet.cheers mate