Shooting/accuracy question

[Blue Sky]

I use and enjoy H&R single shots and a 12 gauge with rifled barrel has been my deer gun for years (until recently I have been in a shotgun-only area of NY). The gun is fine and well suited to the purpose, but the light weight means recoil is a bear. Fine in the field but not much fun at the range.

So, I know some people put cylindrical weights in the bolt hole in the stock to add weight and lessen recoil. My question is, how would it affect accuracy if I weighted the stock at the range and removed it when out hunting? I do not shoot off a bench when punching holes, either use sticks, standing (sometimes braced), kneeling or prone.

 

[leghog]

Provided you do not change the harmonics of the barrel, accuracy and precision should not be affected.

As an aside, perceived recoil has more to do with stock design than stock weight.

 

[gadgetgeek]

realistically since you are going for sub-minute of deer instead of sub minute of angle, I doubt it would matter much. It might affect your shouldering, so you snap shots might be affected. Maybe go for a pad, or try different slug loads, there might be something that feels better.

 

[fishiker]

Reduced "felt" recoil could lead to better accuracy if you lessen any tendency to flinch. I have seen lead shot used to add weight to the butt of a single barrel but I don't know that it reduced recoil.

 

[Wicked Sharp]

I would try a Limbsaver pad before modifying the stock. They are very effective at reducing felt recoil. I have several big bore Encore barrels (.450 Marlin, .45-70 Gov't, and .500 S&W), and the Limbsaver works great. Just my .02$.

 

[Blue Sky]

It's not really a mod, the weight just slips in and out from behind the butt plate so easily reversable. The limbsaver idea is definately an option. It already has a recoil pad, but it is not a limbsaver.

If it had a one piece stock I would be somewhat more concerned about changing harmonics and dampening, but as a two piece it didn't seem likely that it would be a problem. Didn't know though, and didn't want a nasty surprise later. Ammo is too expensive these days. :grumpy:

leghog, would you please expand a little on how stock design is more important than stock weight when discussing recoil? That's something I've not heard before. Thanks

 

[longun]

I think that trying a Limbsaver recoil pad may be the way to go. It will help in the field also. And you can always put weight inside the stock also. Stock design helps with the way the rifle recoils. A rifle that raises up and slaps me in the face is tough for me to shoot well. Another thing that helps with heavy recoiling rifles is to open up your stance. For a right hander, move your left foot to the left and expose more of your chest to the target. Then you can move the rifle inward away from the point of your shoulder and into the pocket. Leaves a hell of a bruise sometimes, but hurts a lot less. At any rate. I would test my zero before and after removing any weights from the stock.

 

[willseeyalater]

On the H&R Toppers, they are fairly light so slipping two or three shotshells into the stock and then backing them with a cotton plug to quiet the rattle noise takes care of a couple of other potential needs when you are out in the woods. Extra shells might come in handy at some future point provided you have a way to take the buttplate off. Multi-tool carriers and McGyver types will find a way. Cotton could help you start a fire if you ever needed easy tinder.