I have a unique situation and am just looking for a second opinion. Back in February I had a pacemaker installed and ended up missing the entire 2020 turkey season. My situation is unique in that I am a left-handed shooter but due to the position of the pacemaker near my left shoulder, I'm going to have to switch to shoot right-handed with my shotguns and rifles. I normally turkey hunt with a Remington 11-87 12 gauge but had set up my son's older 870 20 gauge youth to hunt with last season. While the 870 20 kicks less than the 11-87 12, it probably kicks more than a semi-auto 20.
My questions centers around recoil. Do y'all think there is enough difference in recoil between the 870 youth and a Franchi Affinity 3 Compact to make the effort to buy one. I'm finding it to be a little difficult at the time to even find the Franchi in stock and will probably have to wait 60-90 days to get one in. Another reason I want the semi-auto is that I'm finding it somewhat awkward to shoot the pump right-handed (offhanded for me) and I would hate for it to cost me a second shot if needed. I've looked at several different shotguns and the Franchi fits me well and is lightweight so that is what I'll get if I ending up getting one. I've never been one to wait on things when I get it in my mind, so 60-90 days backing up against turkey season will probably drive me crazy. Is it worth it? Lol
I know I'm overthinking this thing, but those Franchi's ain't cheap and I'm sure I can adapt to my 870. If you have experience shooting either of the two 20 gauges, I'd appreciate your input.
In addition to changing up your gun, consider the load you are shooting. No need for a full 3" load and max payload.
The 2.75" shell loaded with 1-3/8th oz. of TSS has softer recoil for the 20 gauge with blistering speed. You can order them from Foxtrot Ammo.
I have both and with the same shells, there is not a lot of difference. I think the Remington has less felt recoil due to a little additional weight and the super cell recoil pad. If you want the Affinity, I would look at a softer recoil pad, or shoot a lighter payload shell....
If you are able look at a Berrata semi auto 20 guage. Very soft recoil and no worries on a pump.
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If recoil reduction was the goal, I would be looking at a gas operated semi-auto 20 - not an inertia driven one like the Franchi. Also, 1&3/8 oz payload is a great idea for recoil reduction - blistering speed is not.
I have a youth 870 and added a slip on limbsaver pad to get the lop back to normal and it is basically recoil free.
Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I'm probably overthinking the recoil deal but that's not the only reason I'm thinking hard about going with a semi-auto. One thing I did learn in doing a little research is that a gas operated gun will have less kick than an inertia driven one. I'll be shooting Winchester Longbeard XR shells most likely so that is what it is...as long as I can get a good pattern with what I go with. Because of my situation having to shoot off-handed, I like the idea of a Semi-auto and not having to deal with the pump. I really like how the Franchi feels but I'm not sure I'll find one anytime soon. It is light which is a plus for long hikes back on public land, but so is my 870 youth. I guess lots of practice with the pump is in order until I drop the hammer on a new one.
I would second the advice about getting a very high quality recoil reduction pad versus spending the money on a new gun, especially considering the availability issues.
Quote from: Jonathan Wise on December 15, 2020, 05:22:48 PM
I would second the advice about getting a very high quality recoil reduction pad versus spending the money on a new gun, especially considering the availability issues.
Yeah, that sounds like good advise wrt availability and my wallet. Lol. I've been playing with my 870 youth and don't think I really need a semi-auto although I just want one. Not sure if I need a recoil reduction pad, but I guess I'll know once I put a couple LBXRs down range. I actually looked at a couple different ones last year when I was setting the gun up but eventually figured out I didn't really need it to give me a better fit. I might just revisit that thought to help with recoil as well.
My 20ga beretta a-400 is the softest shooting gun in my rack. There's a pretty good difference between it & the M2 benelli 20ga as far as recoil.
Can't beat a gas operated autoloader for recoil reduction. Weight helps too, of course. How much more does your Beretta weigh vs the Benelli?
I believe the Berreta is 5lbs and the Benelli is 5.7.
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You are correct that the a400 is 5 pounds without and 6 lb, 1 oz with the Kick-off feature with 28" barrel.
Quote from: BandedSpur on December 19, 2020, 08:23:42 AM
Can't beat a gas operated autoloader for recoil reduction. Weight helps too, of course. How much more does your Beretta weigh vs the Benelli?
Specs on beretta site say the a-400 lite compact weighs 2.75kg which is 6.06lbs when converted to lbs! Benelli says the m2 20ga weighs 6 pounds. So pretty much the same weight but the beretta kicks much less since it's gas operated.
If not mistaken the kick off system weighs 6 lbs and without the kick off its 5lbs.
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My daughter felt that the pistol grip made it easier to shoot her 870. I also put a LimbSaver slip pad on it, that made it much better.
The Beretta is one of the lightest low recoil gas guns made now. This is coming from a Benelli owner.
clark at all about guns on this site used to sell a recoil pad called a Shooters Friend. My understanding was it was designed by an orthopedic doctor and provided unbelievable comfort and recoil reduction. May be able to find one and shoot any 20 gauge you like. Just research and ask around.
I have one. They are unbelievably effective. Only downside is that they are heavy - about 6 oz. I use one when patterning but don't won't to lug it around while hunting. It will definitely alter the balance of your shotgun, which might be a good thing if your gun is nose heavy.
My SX3 shoots 3" turkey loads (20 gauge) like light field loads. Definitely a soft shooting gun. I'm sure the SX4 would be too.
Went looking for a low recoil turkey gun 2 yrs ago due to neck and back injuries. Winchester sx3 20 ga was suggested due to gas operated and weight around 7 lbs. It's very soft shooting and the safety is easy to switch for left hand if you ever go back to lefty. 2 3/4" fed #7 or the new tss is all you need