Recoil Question wrt 20 Gauge Pump vs Semi-auto

[BBURN]

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.

[paboxcall]

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.

[Gmed]

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....

[USMC0331]

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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[BandedSpur]

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.

[gatrkyhntr70]

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.

[BBURN]

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. 

[Jonathan Wise]

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.

[BBURN]

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.

[cutt down]

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.

[BandedSpur]

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?

[USMC0331]

I believe the Berreta is 5lbs and the Benelli is 5.7.

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[BandedSpur]

You are correct that the a400 is 5 pounds without and 6 lb, 1 oz with the Kick-off feature with 28" barrel.

[cutt down]

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.

[USMC0331]

If not mistaken the kick off system weighs 6 lbs and without the kick off its 5lbs.

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