On Target

Edwards Mechanical Recoil Reducers are an innovative and effective alternative to mercury recoil reducers and offer a great deal of flexibility in recoil control. Mercury recoil reducers have been on the market for a long time as a method to reduce recoil and vibration on rifles and shotguns. Some shooters swear by them while some debate their effectiveness beyond that of a solid weight. But with the current trend of many states outlawing the shipment of mercury, the writing may be on the wall as to how much longer these will even be available. So we went looking for a more effective and non-mercury recoil reducer and found the Edwards mechanical recoil reducers. They are not only an alternative to mercury reducers, but they are also a viable alternative to or compliment to a muzzle brake. They consist of a small cylinder of either 7/8 inch or 1 inch in diameter and ranging in length from 3 to 5 inches. They weigh approximately 5.5 to 8.5 ounces depending on length and if a hole is drilled in a wood stock for the reducer, then it will be adding an ounce or two less than that to the gun.  To give you an idea how much weight that is, the average quality aftermarket recoil pad weighs between 5 and 8 ounces.  Inside the cylinder is a piston between springs of unequal weight that is actuated by recoil. When the rifle or shotgun begins its recoil, the piston is driven forward to counteract the recoil.  The combination of inertia and spring action dramatically reduces both actual and perceived recoil.  These reducers come in 3”, 3.5”, 4” and 5” in length to fit any size rifle or shotgun stock. There is also a choice between adjustable and non-adjustable models. The adjustable models allow you to fine tune the recoil specifically for right or left handed shooters, and to maximize recoil reduction in specific areas such as to the face or shoulder. To give you an idea of how much they reduce recoil, the shorter models like the 3.5" reduce recoil about 25% with one reducer or up to 50% for a dual reducer installation.  The 5" MAX model can reduce up to 50% of the recoil in heavier kicking firearms.  For heavy recoiling guns with recoil greater than a .30-06, two reducers can be used to maximize recoil reduction. They have been in use since 1965 and are well proven and have undergone many improvements over the years. Their effectiveness and flexibility opens many options for both rifle and shotgun shooters with either wood or synthetic stocks.