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Gracoil or FalconStrike

1.1K views 15 replies 12 participants last post by  PawleysJim  
#1 ·
I’m a big recoil wimp. 100 rounds at sporting clays with a 20 gauge gives me a sore shoulder for two days (poorly fitted gun). Getting ready to purchase my first O/U and in addition to getting it fitted, trying to decide between the Gracoil recoil reduction system or a FalconStrike recoil pad. Anyone who has used both willing to share thoughts on which one is more effective at reducing recoil? Thanks in advance!
 
#2 ·
I have the FalconStrike on two of my shotguns. It does reduce recoil and I notice it. I'm sure the Gracoil works because they have been around for quite a long time and people are still using and buying them. I personally have never used or owned one. I do have the Ken Rucker bump buster on my 1100 and that works well also. I do know that you will most likely have to have your stock cut to receive the Gracoil so that is a extra expense. The FalconStrike replaces your current recoil pad and adds maybe a half or three quarter inches to your LOP unless you cut that stock also. The difference in price is quite a bit also but the FalconStrike comes with a money back guarantee if you do not like it.
 
#4 ·
I have a Gracoil on my Krieghoff KX-5 Trap shotgun and a Falcon Strike on one of my skeet guns (Browning Ultra). They 12 ga and they both work. The Falcon Strike has a more traditional look. I got my KX-5 used with the Gracoil it on it. The Falcon Strike I put on myself. I guess I would give a slight edge to the Falcon Strike.
 
#10 ·
We shoot 410's on our sporting clay course and use full choke somedays for grins. Can be very humbling. But if you are just starting out or don't shoot alot then shooting a 410 is not going to help your game or confidence level, just too fine a margin for error. Best to use a 20 ga with 3/4 oz loads for the new shooter male or female rather than a 410. Then they'll start breaking birds and not only build their confidence level but will enjoy it more.
 
#13 ·
Gun and load as well. I had a 686 12 sporting and would but he cheapest and easiest to find ammo which was typically a 1 1/8th. I got FS pad and it was amazing but problem was extended the gun so much.

I upgraded to a 694 eventually not because of recoil and wow what a difference it made had I known I would've upgraded a lot sooner. Also load....1 oz 1200 kills pretty well. Make sure you are not shooting 1 1/8th hotter loads. Also not trying to sell you on a new gun but a pad will add alot of length and you may need to cut stock. Semi is also a great option.
 
#16 ·
I did get a gun fit from a very respected trainer/fitter. He made some tweaks to my gun butt that is currently held together with electrical tape, and I'm getting ready to make those changes permanent.

For example I have a Monte Carlo stock, he negated that by raising the pad up. Also changed pitch and angled the pad diagonally.
Your suggestion of the TSK is probably more adjustable than I need, but more importantly, I not sure I want to be seen in public with it,😎 It's just not my cup of tea.