Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots Recoil on NEF single shot?

I think the way to go is to buy one used and pay a fair price for it. This way you can try it out. If it kicks too much, just sell it and you should be able to get back most if not all what you paid for it.

You really can't go by what other people say about the recoil. It depends on how the gun fits you really, and how you handle the recoil. All 12 or 20 gauge shotguns are going to produce a fair amount of recoil.

My hunting partner had the NEF in 20ga, and I didn't think it was bad at all. I was always leery of the same gun in 12 gauge until I tried it, and I can't say I could tell any different.

Also, just for reference, I am definitely not recoil proof. I can't handle lightweight 7mm Magnums, and I do not like shooting 3 1/2" magnums in a 12 gauge.

Since you weigh 125, you will tend to roll with the punch and it won't hurt you nearly so much as it would if you weighed 200. Go for it. I used a 16 ga single when I was your age, and I had no problem with it.

FWIW a PAST pad under your buckskin jacket works as well as a pad on the gun, but is invisible.

It's funny how the guys I hunted with would giggle at my H&R until it came time to walk back to the truck at the end of the day. Then they wanted to "trade" guns for the walk back.

Hi,

If you're a bit bothered by the recoil, learn it: first shoot standard 12 gauge loads or even light one from 1 to 1,25oz of lead shot. No need to send pounds of lead to kill birds, rabbits and hares. When you'll get use to you can increase the weight of load if you need it or want it. If you shoot slug go to Remington or other manufacturers reduced recoil load. They will kill dead deer and boars, if you place their slug where they must be.

For better feeling and recoil taming go to a Limbsaver or Remington R3 pad. Have the stock cut to your size, that's really important for accuracy, handling, shooting ease and comfort.
Beretta and other makers sell for not lot of money some pas filled with gel that you stick on the stock comb. They low down the vibration and shock transmitted to your head through your cheek and jaw bones.

With such little improvements your life with the H&R will be a joy.
My daughter, 17 years old, light and thin, can manage mine in 35 Whelen with 250grs bullets with no problem. She use the same accessories i described above.

Sorry was a bit long,

Dom

In over 50 years of shooting I have found nothing to equal the 12 ga singles ability to kick the living snot out of me. I love crack barrels but in 20 gauge.

I have a couple in 20GA and a 16GA. There is absolutely no difference in felt recoil between them. However I can not attest to 12GA recoil in this platform.