Recoil reducers

[Buckums]

What are the possible problems with travel you are referring to?

I’ve added mercury recoil reducers to two stocks with good success. That said, I wouldn’t do it again because of the hazards associated with mercury and possible problems with travel. I sold these rifles quite a while ago.

Tungsten beads (TSS) is a really good option and there are a couple of manufacturers who offer these. Sadly, it’s not often easily adaptable to firearms other than the one it was intended for. My wife has a Blaser Kickstop on her Intuition and likes it. I also had one in my PH stock.

I have no personal experience with the Edwards Recoil Reducer but hear nothing but good things about them.

 

[BeeMaa]

What are the possible problems with travel you are referring to?

There are restrictions on airline travel with mercury. Specifically, you are allowed to have a mercury thermometer in your checked luggage and it must be in a protective case. Larger quantities of mercury (for instance a weather barometer) require special approval. Of course a mercury recoil reducer would be much more than what's in a weather barometer or thermometer.

I'm not saying that we should all automatically volunteer that we have a mercury recoil reducer in our stocks, but when it goes through X-ray and they see something...gonna be hard to get around those questions. Whether it happens when you are leaving on your trip or returning, it's going to complicate your travel plans considerably if you want to keep the rifle.

Have I traveled with a mercury recoil reducer, knowing that it's illegal? Yes, several times. Would I do it again? No. There are too many better alternatives that don't involve the hassle of dealing with hazmat.

Mechanical (like Edwards, Dead Mule, Falcon Strike...etc) or tungsten beads would be the best options. Obviously lead is an option and there aren't any current restrictions on it, but it's a good idea to have it in a sealed container of copper or stainless steel and bedded in the forend or butt of the stock.

Currently only my wife's rifle has the Blaser Kickstop recoil reducer that's a stainless steel tube with tungsten shot inside. If I ever move up to a 416RM or 458LOTT, that's what I'll be using as well. And yes, I look up the specific airline rules for these and have them printed out in the event there are any questions.

Anyone else remember the days when your parents or grandparents had a bottle of mercury sitting on the shelf in the shop? I sure as hell do.

 

[rookhawk]

As pointed out, Mercury is a scam in that it doesn't really work any better than any other object of weight.

Nonetheless, I recommend a mercury recoil reducer because they are in a smooth cylinder that can be properly anchored in the stock. Do not use lead or other items that oxidize, in time they expand in volume through oxidation and crack the stock.

Any vendor of mercury recoil reducers is as good as the next. Remove your butt pad and measure the depth and diameter of your hole. Select slightly under that diameter so you can wrap tape on the tube to friction fit it.