Why the big recoil on my Remington 870 express with 3 inch load. Went out with a friend today and I shot my gun 4 times and it just killed my shoulder! I'm 6'5 220 lbs of fairly solid muscle too (weightlifter). I shot my friends mossberg 535 with a 3 1/2 inch shell and it didn't kick nearly as much. He had a 22 inch barrel, mine has a 21 inch. Can't believe an inch in barrel length would make that much difference? My shoulder is still aching 7 hours later. I do/did hold my gun tight up against my shoulder too.

You should check on getting a Sims Limbsaver recoil pad for your
shotgun, it will make alot of difference.

Big Louie

Really you shouldn't be taking that kind of recoil shooting at the range.Keep doingthatand you will be flinching with every shot, and that ain't good brother. I made a wise investment several years in a PAST recoil pad that makes range shooting a pleasure. I wear it waterfowl hunting when we are expecting a hot day and never get even a bruise. If you don't want to get a PAST pad then put some towels between the gun and your shoulder.

The 870 with that short of a barrel is a very light gun and will kick the snot out of you. I have one and know first hand. Max loaded turkey loads deliver a whallop, expecially in a light shotgun. Another thought is big guys like you don't "give" as much and absorb all the recoil rather than "rolling" with the shot.

I have a Mossberg 835 and shoot 3.5 inch Hevi-shot loads. This gun can absolutely stomp you if you let it. To reduce recoil both the barrel and Star-Dot choke are ported. Even with the stock recoil pad it shoots like a *****cat, no kidding. The bone-jarring mule kick is reduced to a more of a push. Huge difference. In the offseason Imight consider a Sims pad if I can get one on Ebay cheap, but I really don't think I need it.

On your gun I would highly recommend a ported choke and Sims pad as beardbuster stated.

You will never notice recoil when shooting at a turkey, so save the pain and protect yourself on the range with extra padding.

Good luck

Mouthcaller

the gun already has the stock rubber recoil pad. Is the Sims much better? Also, whats the estimated cost on the Sims?

Na, it's terrible, that's why we are recommending it. The cheap composite rubber pad on your 870 is much better.

Just kidding.

About 30 bucks.

Here's the link to Randy Wakeman's (noted authority on rifles and muzzleloaders) evaluation of it: http://www.chuckhawks.com/sims_limbsaver_recoil_pads.htm

my 30-06 when i bought it had one of those rubber pads on it and it kicked like a mule then i went out and bought a hoyt pad for it and it reduced the kick by half i owuld say very worth getting one cause you dont wnat to develope a flinch

I have a 870 Super Mag shot 3.5 shells last year and got my shoulder bruised so bad I could hardly move it the next day( 20-25 shots ). Bought a Remington R3 pad this year and shot around 25-30 3.5 shells 2 weeks ago patterning it and my shoulder was just alittle sore the next day IMO get one they take alot of the kick out of those big shells.

i know what you mean, i shot mine five times on thursday. On friday i couldnt even move my arm when i woke up! I have the same set up, remington 870 12g 3in magnum loads. the only difference is, im 5'5" and 160lbs,though i can bench my own weight.