Felt Recoil differences? Remington 1100, 870 Mossberg 500

[elljay]

Has anyone fired both Remington 1100 and 870's. I ask because I'm finalizing a purchase decision. The budget is a factor, so my choices are in order of cost Mossberg 500, Remington 870 and 1100 11-87. I think I can live with the pump vs autoloader, and I will use the gun for trap, skeet, possible fowling, and home defense. I would buy another barrel (18 or 20").
On the issue of recoil, are the differences significant? Thanks in advance.

 

[Cat]

In a word, Yes. There is a significant difference in felt recoil between the solid, locked breech of a pump and a gas operated autoloader. I have and shoot both 870 and 1100 Remington 12 gauge shotguns. With the 870 I'm good for about 15 slugs before I develope a massive flinch. With the 1100 I have gone 47 slugs, 25 #4 buckshot and a box of #8 bird shot and not started to flinch.
The recoil is much softer.
Cat

 

[NJW]

Yes, there is a difference and it basically comes down to the differences of the Pump vs. Auto. I have an 870, 1100 & 11-87 and there is a difference.
The pump is has the bolt locked up and when the shell fires, 100% of the recoil is transferred to the shooter. With an auto, some of that recoil is used to cycle the weapon and load the next shell. Because of this, less recoil is transferred to the shooter than with a pump.

NJW in AZ