Counter Coil recoil reducing system for shotguns

Big Bad

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As related elsewhere, I just bought a second hand 20 gauge O/U with a Counter Coil recoil reducer installed. This was in fact a bit of a surprise to me because I'd never seen or heard of one before, but here's be best link I've been able to find about the things:

http://www.rodscustomstocks.com/Counter_Coil.htm

The Counter Coil company itself seem to be quite internet shy, but at least I can tell myself that I got an unexpected added value, and while I might have some concern that the system would slow down a quick second shot, it is said to be completely adjustable. I might have more wanted it on a 10 or 12 G- even the recoil pad on the butt is 'way softer and spongier than I've ever experienced- but it is where it is.

My question is, does anyone own one of these, and/or has anyone shot with one? Since I wasn't able to buy ammo for the gun at the time of purchase, there will be a delay before I get to shoot with it myself. One thing: the gun is not recoil operated so no concerns there.
 
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I've never heard of them that I recall. I'm sure it works as advertised but I never cared for that type of recoil reducer. The problem I find is that the stock sliding past my cheek is distracting until you get used to it. Personally I don't feel a need for this type of recoil reduction but if I did then I'd want the type that has the stock comb attached to the recoil pad so the gun moves but the comb of the stock doesn't move against your face.
 
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As above, the motion of the stock takes some getting used to. Some dont care for it. In your case, as the system is adjustable, setting to a stiff (or rigid) setting can overcome the sliding stock issue.
 
Got to play with a friend's trap gun that had a mercury recoil absorber
- Yes, it seems to do a decent job at reducing the felt recoil... But also added weight to the gun.

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Unless you are really (really) adverse to recoil, shoot hundred's of shots a day for days on ends, and need the little advantage it provides... I couldn't see myself spending $ on one.
 
Countercoil has been around a long time. Primarily clay target shooters, mostly trap shooters are their mainstay. In todays world of clay target shooting they are no longer as popular. Todays dedicated clay target shooters who want a recoil dampening system seem to be going with the Pro-Soft or Soft-Touch custom made stock options. Not cheap but they are full stocks measured and made to fit the shooter. As for those wanting to go with the adjustable style butt like the Countercoil, RAD and Gracoil are the two most popular options.
 
I've never heard of them that I recall. I'm sure it works as advertised but I never cared for that type of recoil reducer. The problem I find is that the stock sliding past my cheek is distracting until you get used to it. Personally I don't feel a need for this type of recoil reduction but if I did then I'd want the type that has the stock comb attached to the recoil pad so the gun moves but the comb of the stock doesn't move against your face.

When those systems are set up properly the motion is so little it is not even noticeable if you are focused on the target. Set them up incorrectly and you run a whole gamut of issues from increased felt recoil, cheek slap, felt sliding motion etc. When set up properly the recoil absorption is awesome and the movement so lightning quick you don't notice it. The advantage if you call it that to a hydraulic operated system such as the RAD I have on my Perazzi TMS to a spring operated system like the Gracoil that is factory installed on my 725 Trap Max is the RAD makes no sound when it works whereas the Gracoil you hear a click through your headphones or ear plugs.
 
Got to play with a friend's trap gun that had a mercury recoil absorber
- Yes, it seems to do a decent job at reducing the felt recoil... But also added weight to the gun.

p_163100002_1.jpg


Unless you are really (really) adverse to recoil, shoot hundred's of shots a day for days on ends, and need the little advantage it provides... I couldn't see myself spending $ on one.

Those things are very old school technology....shoot lots like dedicated clay target shooters do where you are shooting 900-1100 target events over a 3 to 5 day tournament and you'll have no hesitation spending $ to reduce recoil! LOL
 
My own experience with counter coil is that there's a little unaccustomed cheek rub but nothing I can't live with, or likely even notice after a little more shooting.
 
I'd sooner just shoot a gun and shells that don't need recoil reduction. With my present sporting clays gun that weights 9 lbs and 1 oz loads of moderate velocity I routinely shoot 200 to 300 rounds in one day comfortably.

The Mercury recoil reducers are (IMO) a bit gimmicky. I purchased a used shotgun one time that had one of those in it and after shooting it a bit I then removed the recoil reducer and I couldn't notice one bit of difference. Frankly I think the weight of the recoil reducer reduces the recoil more than the mechanism actually does. In fact, the one I have is in a drawer and I just took it out to look at it, it's made by Graco and probably weighs half a pound!
 
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