Bad back, what shotgun?

[OJW]

If your calling 32g light erm try a really light cartridge. If your near me your welcome to come and try one of my lighter guns to see if it makes a difference.

Thanks, very kind offer. I meant that they were lighter than the ones I would use later in the season rather than that they are a light cart, but I take your point.

Edited October 26, 2015 by OJW

[JDog]

I take your point. They could be a lot lighter! I use anything from 21g-28g on clays but had never thought of using something as light as you mention on game. I will have to buy some and investigate. Just out of interest, what was it that made you decide to shoot lighter loads? Thanks for the feedback.

I have never used heavy loads and have therefore not gone 'lighter'.

[Savhmr]

Seems to be a common thing. I have two herniated discs (courtesy of a few MTB "offs") and am awaiting surgery after 10 years putting it off. I shoot a 686 at the minute and to avoid any jarring, shoot cartridges with the GRS recoil reduction system. I shoot 12g 32g loads and the recoil isn't that noticeable. I doubt dropping to 20g will provide any less recoil (unless you shoot GRS carts in that too!) unless you shoot light loads.

[welshwarrior]

Thanks, very kind offer. I meant that they were lighter than the ones I would use later in the season rather than that they are a light cart, but I take your point.

Your light loads are my heaviest loads only used on high bird days 28g is plenty 30g capable of a huge amount.

[figgy]

A nice light sxs would be my choice for game and a lightweight auto like the A400 light for everything else.

[browning123]

I use a 12g Beretta A400 Xplor Light semi auto - lovely to shoot, light weight, great balance, cycles any cartridge and no recoil.

[grrclark]

Along with considering a different weight of gun and less punchy carts, is there anything in your posture that you could improve to lessen the strain on your back?

 

Even small differences can have a big difference on the stresses and strains in your back and a little bit of work in that area might be beneficial.

 

For example when you shoot does your foot position lend itself best to the amount of movement needed in the swing? If you are over rotating your back/core then you will create more strain. Likewise with how you position your weight when mounting, do you rely on your core/trunk muscles, stooping forward, or can you reposition your feet to give a better spinal posture?

 

Maybe a bit of time with someone knowledgeable that you trust to watch your setup and posture and then see if you can make some changes.

 

Even daft things like your choice of footwear can create a difference in balance and put strain on your back.

[OJW]

Thanks Grrclark, I have looked into this but even with the best will in the world I often find myself on uneven or sloped ground making a perfect posture difficult. I do always bear this in mind and stand correctly.

 

The main focus of my question is whether a 20bore has helped anyone else with back problems in the past and also if their shooting suffered or improved as a result. I appreciate recoil can be managed with cartridge choice.

 

Anyway, lots of good info and thanks to everyone for contributing.

[fenboy]

Thanks for the feedback. Sorry to hear about PW's bad backs! Hope no one is in too much discomfort. I've had a look and the 20g Caesar Guerini Maxum isn't much lighter than the 12g.

 

12g = 8lbs and the 20g = 7lbs 8oz. Do you think this would really make much difference?

 

Source - http://gueriniusa.com/shotguns/maxum-sporting/

If its a reduction in recoil you want then a heavy 20 gauge in conjunction with a load of 24 -25 grams would be the way to go , little point in changing to a 20 and putting 28 - 30 gram loads through it .

The Isis recoil reduction systems are also very effective and I would imagine a combo of a heavy 20 gauge light load and one of those would be as good as it gets with a O/U