I recently had the opportunity to try the new FalconStrike Hydraulic Recoil Reduction System. This product advertises that it reduces the recoil energy, the muzzle lift, the peak force, and the rock back when shooting. I received two recoil systems to use on a couple of my more recoil intensive guns. one being a 300 Winchester Magnum. In this review, I write about everything from the installation to the performance.
Installation
The recoil pad is easy to install. The only tool you really need is a screwdriver. The first step is to remove the manufacturer’s installed recoil pad. Once this is removed, you will install the base plate for the FalconStrike.
The base plate has two slotted screw holes that allow you to adjust the plate to fit the model firearm of your choice. I would suggest aligning the top screw first in order to ensure that the top of the base plate is flush with the top of the stock.
Once you have tightened both the top and bottom screws for the base place, you are ready to install the recoil pad itself. You will need to ensure that both tabs, that help lock the recoil pad into place, are extended all the way out. This will allow you to fully seat the recoil pad onto the base plate.
Once the tabs are extended, you will need to roll back the rubber fringe of the recoil pad in order to get the pad to seat correctly. The rubber fringe allows for a seamless connection between the stock and the recoil pad once fully installed.
When the rubber fringe is rolled back, take the recoil pad and press it firmly against the base plate. Then, with your free hand, push the tabs down (for the top tab) and up (for the bottom tab). You should feel a little resistance, this is just the tabs pulling the recoil pad in securely.
Once the tabs are secured, they should be flush with the side of the base plate. Now roll the rubber fringe over the end of the stock. Once you have completed this, the recoil reduction system installation is complete, and you are ready to hit the range or field.
On the Range
Once I installed the recoil system on my Savage 300 Win Mag, it was time to take it to the range and see how the recoil system performed. I will tell you that, although I like the knockdown power of the 300 Win Mag, I absolutely despise sighting it in or checking the zero before each hunting season. It is just simply one of those guns that is not fun to shoot, so I was very interested to see how the recoil pad would assist me in sighting the gun in.
I am pleased to say that I did notice quite a difference in the amount of felt recoil from the gun. I have always found recoil hard to measure. I mean, you are pushing a 185 gr bullet at 3000 fps, so there is obviously going to be force generated backward regardless of what you do. However, I will say that I usually develop a flinch when I shoot this gun and with the FalconStrike recoil system I did not. I noticed that the recoil, which is usually sharp, turned into a much more bearable roll. This resulted in a much more pleasurable shooting experience. I would even go so far as to say that it improved my shooting, due to not having to anticipate such harsh recoil.
I believe that this is a great addition to any gun that you might not enjoy due to recoil. This system would also be a perfect match for people that have a smaller body frame, as well as women and children. Recoil is one of the greatest barriers to entry when introducing someone to shooting. This product will greatly reduce the perceived recoil and help any new or experienced shooter. I would highly recommend heading over to their website to see if they have a model that will fit your particular firearm.
I have a custom stock with an adjustable comb on a 12 gauge. Other hydraulic pads will not fit because of the comb. Will the Falcon pad with the base plate be able to be installed? Will the Falcon pad make much difference on a 12 gauge? How do you fit a custom made stock.
I have had major back surgery and am very sensitive to recoil.
Looks good, but pretty pricey. In the $150-200 range.
The website link for Falcon Strike is incorrect
Fixed
“80% less recoil energy”?
What kind of uneducated boob writes this stuff? Felt recoil, maybe, but recoil is dependent on Newton’s Laws, not a butt pad.
P.S. Have you considered a sled for sighting in?
So, what is the physics – energy dissipation from a thick squishy pad or is there more to it?
It’s a butt pad. Can we stop calling everything a system?
I have a Beretta A400 Excel shotgun with the kickoff system that I use to shoot trap. It made such a difference that I put the 1300 tac version of the kickoff on my tac shotgun. It makes a very noticeable difference on the tac since it is so light and makes it more manageable. Only downside is the stock is about 3 inches longer, so I have to practice shouldering it properly.
Little bit more info please. Nothing was explained nor were any photos presented, to explain how this works. Nothing that I saw was Hydraulic in nature. No oil reservoir, no tubing or pipes. Enquiring minds want to know!
Agree – what is so special?
I am almost certain this “hydraulic” airspace $200 butt pad is a simple rubber bladder filled with a viscous fluid like silicone. Think breast implant for your rifle.