According to some people, the best way to reduce recoil (“kick”) is to use less powerful ammunition. These “low-recoil” or “managed-recoil” 12-gauge self-defense loads are routinely available in 2-3/4-inch, 00-Buck and #4 Buck and have become increasingly popular. Their recommendation sounds good in theory, but in the real-world, I don’t think this is a good idea.
In my experience, the performance of these reduced-recoil shells is very disappointing. You will be better served by using a shotgun which is chambered for smaller, less-powerful shotgun shells (16 or 20-gauge), than to use reduced-recoil 12-gauge shells. Or, better yet, step-up to a recoil-reducing semiautomatic such as a 12-gauge Benelli M2 equipped with a ComforTech stock. This gun produces less recoil than a standard 20-gauge (a much smaller shell size than a 12-gauge). Based on my experience, unless the gun is for use by a child, a self-defense shotgun should be 12-gauge.
After a little practice, my petite 14-year old daughter had no problem with a 12-gauge. If you start by practicing with target ammunition like she did, any able bodied adult can get used to using a 12-gauge.
For routine practice, it’s fine to use low-base (lower power) shotgun shells of the variety used for bird hunting or skeet shooting. These deliver far less recoil, especially in the 12-gauge 2-3/4” size, while still providing a useful training experience. However, as often as possible, you should shoot at least a few of the tactical shells which you carry in your gun for self-defense. Unfortunately, many shooting ranges and clubs will not allow you to use self-defense shotgun ammunition on their range, so you may need to find another safe location for this additional training. (This is because these loads are so destructive – which is a good thing when it comes to self-defense, but a problem when it comes to maintaining a gun range).
For self-defense use, I recommend that you load your tactical shotgun with 3-inch 00-Buck (pronounced “double-ought buck”). A good tactical shotgun paired with this ammunition, will provide you with a formidable weapon for family and personal protection. When loaded with this ammunition, when you pull the trigger your gun will exhale 15 - .33-caliber lead pellets. Even the standard-load (2-3/4-inch 00-Buck) has 9 - .33 caliber pellets within each plastic shell. (Note: Standard loads in each size of 12-ga shell generally contain 3-pellets less than a magnum shell of the same size. Low-recoil loads generally have 1 or 2 fewer pellets than a standard 00-Buck shell. Check the specifications on the box of shells to determine the pellet count.)
Before settling
on the ammunition you will keep in your home defense shotgun, test several brands,
both 00-Buck and #4 Buck, in both standard and magnum loads. Recoil varies
between manufacturer (brands) and loads, as does the size of the pattern when fired
at the same distance. Different guns can produce different results.
With this in mind, it’s important to do your own testing of shot shells. This is necessary if you are going to select the right load for you, your gun, and your situation. As with any weapon used for personal protection, only use major-brand ammunition. For reliable and safe ammunition for all your firearms, look for these trusted brands: Federal, Winchester, Remington, Speer, Hornandy, Black Hills, Cor-Bon, Fiocchi, Sellier and Bellot, and Ultra Max.
The 3-1/2”and 3” Magnums, and the standard 2-3/4” shotshells all have their advocates, but the 2-3/4” is most common because it has the advantage of less recoil while delivering decent knock-down power.
Remember, less recoil is significant because not only is the shotgun easier to control, it also means that you can get back on-target more quickly in case you need to shoot again. (Note: The 3-1/2” 00-Buck shell is rarely used in tactical shotguns. This is because of the additional recoil. And, because the magazine of most tactical shotguns will hold one-less shell if loaded with the 3-1/2 inch. (For example, a 7-round magazine will only hold 6 of the 3-1/2” shells).
Further, many shotgun models are not designed for the more powerful 3-1/2 inch shotgun shell. Just because it might fit into your gun, doesn’t mean that you gun is made to handle these larger shells. If you want to use the 3-1/2 inch shell, be sure to check the manufacturer’s specification before making your gun purchase.
For the professional SWAT team operator or Spec Ops soldier, they often load their tactical shotguns with lead slugs. This is due to the unrivaled knock-down power of 1-oz of lead traveling at more than 1,500 feet per second. In Close Quarter Battle, this produces astounding results. Experienced SWAT operators and Spec Ops soldiers often carry 3-inch shells rifled slugs and 00-Buck. Though some may use the 2-3/4 inch because that is what they are issued, I don’t know of any which use the larger 3-1/2 inch shells.