Do gunsmiths install KO on O/U shotguns?

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new_shooter

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I have a old sport injury (right shoulder unfortunately) and sometimes it hurts after shooting (use Super Vinci now).
Because I do only trap and skeet shooting and I like O/U shotguns I am thinking about buying a sporting O/U shotgun - some heavy 12g - and install the KO reduction thing.
Do gunsmiths install KO reduction? Does it make sense to do it?
Or just better to buy a O/U with ready KO reduction?
Or some sporting gas-operated semi like Beretta Xcel Sporting with KO?
 
There are lots of recoil reduction units available that can be fitted to most target shotguns. Stock fit is the key. Different shotguns have different stock dimensions, some will work and some won't for you. You should probably spend some time with a knowledgeable individual to determine why you are suffering recoil issues.

Recoil reduction systems will cost around $300 installed (give or take), so, you need to decide if you want to put that kind of money into the gun you own.

I've had 3 shoulder surgeries (2 on the right) and shoot a gun with a wood stock that is custom fitted. I can shoot Super Handicap shells all day with no problem. But, then recoil never has been an issue for me, even just before the surgeries.
 
thank you for the advice, Beretta687EELL.

How much % of recoil a KO reduction would remove?

As a new shooter (started trap shooting Aug'13) I did not try many different guns - only my friend's Beretta A400 (no KO) and my Benelli Super Vinci.
I found recoil from Benelli SV is a little too much for me (especially handicap shells), but Beretta's is fine as it has gas operated system I guess.

Please note - I do not have a problem with the kick when I am actually shooting though I have thin bones.
The problem is that a couple of days after my shoulder started hurting though there are no bruises on it.
I wonder what kind of problem you have with your shoulder?
In my case they said it was an AC joint problem and wanted to remove a little piece of collar bone but I refused.

Hard to find a knowledgable person too - just getting bits and pieces of information when we go to shooting ranges.
Even harder to get to try someone's O/U - people normally would not just give you their shotguns to shoot, right?

Could you recommend good gunsmith close to GTA area?

Thanks in advance
 
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If you shoot high volume trap and skeet use light target 1oz loads or better yet light 7/8oz loads...and even better yet, if you reload, use 3/4oz loads. There really is no need for heavy loads in either of those 2 disciplines. If you are recoil sensitive, ditch the Benelli and get gas operated semi-auto. The absolute best target semi-auto out there is the old Winchester Super-X Model 1 in skeet or trap grade...2nd best would be the older Remington 1100 Skeet or Trap. (and newer 1100 Competition...if you can find one with a straight barrel). An O/U in the 8lbs range with a GraCoil or similar pad makes a good 3rd choice if you stick to those 1oz or less light loads.
 
new_shooter said:
Hard to find a knowledgable person too - just getting bits and pieces of information when we go to shooting ranges.
Even harder to get to try someone's O/U - people normally would not just give you their shotguns to shoot, right?
Click to expand...

I find it's just the opposite, most shooter love playing show and tell at the range. I can't even count how many times i've been at the range and didn't even need to ask the guy next to me what he was shooting before he wants to show me everything he brought with him to the range that day.

Just find someplace that has an organised shotgun night and just tell them you're new to it, want to know what to look for and try a few different types and most people will be more than willing to let you try theirs out.
 
It may be a New Brunswick thing dand, as like you I've rarely met shooters at the trap and skeet fields that weren't willing to let you try their guns if you seemed interested. Just ask them a couple questions about what they are shooting and most will get a sly grin and ask if you're interested in trying it, since I think its safe to assume most have been in a similar position.
 
Keep in mind that while recoil systems can reduce the felt recoil, they can also make the recoil feel much different.

I have tried the KO system, and with regular target loads, couldn't notice a real difference. I have also tried the piston systems that replace ~1.5" of wood on the stock: hated the feel! The one I tried made the recoil feel very mechanical, and less natural. But that was me, YMMV

There are some very good recoil pads out on the market; I have nothing but good things to say about my Kick-Eez compared to the factory Beretta pad (and it's not like that was bad to start with). There are also pads, vest and strap on "things". The Browning Accelerator Pads advertise a significant reduction in recoil; my wife swears by hers. Eddie Bauer has an air/foam cell product. I have also seen people with quilted pad strapped to their shoulders rather than wearing a vest.
 
All three of my shoulder surgeries were torn rotator cuff.

I've never shot a reduction system on a wood stock. I shot a PFS for a while on my current gun, but went to a custom wood stock. IMHO the current wood stock has less recoil, for me, than the PFS did. A big difference in the wood stock and the PFS is that the grip fits me much better, which I feel soaks up more recoil than many people realize.

You need to meet people at the club and make them comfortable with who you are. Ask lots of questions. Many folks can be reluctant to let someone that they do not know shoot a $20K shotgun.

If you are interested in driving to Woodstock, we can go to my club and I can let you shoot a bunch of my guns. PM me, if you are interested.
 
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