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FAQ

How does the Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® work?

The Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® provides mechanical recoil control. It consists of a piston between two springs. The springs are of different ratios, with the strong one at the rear. The recoil forces the piston against the strong spring, which in turn forces it against the weak spring. This reaction will happen several times for every shot fired.

What types of Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® are available?

Edwards offers four types of recoil reduction units. The original unit is the adjustable, which is designed to allow for control of recoil for right and left handed shooters. It can also be set to eliminate specific recoil problems such as recoil to the face, shoulder, or barrel bounce. The second is a non-adjustable unit, designed to be installed into the draw bolt hole in most of today’s shotguns and rifles. This unit, while controlling recoil to the face and shoulder, as well as barrel bounce, cannot be fine tuned to solve specific recoil problems. Both types come in 3”, 3½”, and 4” lengths to guarantee an installation that is correct for the firearm. Our most popular unit, The MAX is designed for installation in synthetic stocks. The unit, measuring 5" in length and weighing 7.5 ounces, is engineered to permit installation in the large void of the stocks and can be secured with standard adhesives and “buried” in spray-in foam or fiberglass.  This unit also is superior when installed in a 7/8" hole in wooden stocks.  Our newest product is the ETR (Edwards Tactical Reducer) which is designed to drop into the recoil buffer tube on mil spec stocks, when attached to shotguns.

What makes the Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® adjustable?

Located on either end of the unit are adjusting cams. These cams place the Recoil Reducer in the hole at an angle, which actually redirects the recoil away from the shooter’s face and shoulder.

How is the Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® installed?

The non-adjustable unit is designed to function in the drawbolt hole, easily installed with the instructions provided. The adjustable unit requires the drilling of a one inch diameter hole parallel to the drawbolt hole. This dedicated hole allows the unit to be installed, adjusted and not disturbed when the gunstock is removed, insuring years of trouble free recoil reduction. The MAX is buried in spray-in foam or fiberglass in synthetic stocks or a 7/8" diameter hole in wooden. You can find installation instructions at the "Installation" pull-down located at the "PRODUCT" tab, in the upper right of your screen.

Do Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® ever wear out?

Not yet! Since the first model was manufactured in 1965, Edwards has focused on quality. The aluminum used in the Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® is aviation grade, which is more durable than the lower grades, like those used in outdoor furniture. The springs are zinc coated to minimize corrosion, and the lubricant currently utilized is a synthetic known for its resistance to evaporation. Additionally, the Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® comes with a lifetime warranty, should one ever fail. Needless to say, this warranty does not cover Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® that have been abused by the users.

Will one or two Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® be necessary?

Generally, unless there is a medical reason, we usually recommend a single installation in most shotguns. This application will control greater than 75% of the felt recoil to the face and 50% to the shoulder. Understandably, there are times when a double installation (one adjustable and one non-adjustable Recoil Reducer) will be recommended, based on arthritic problems, injuries to the upper body, or facial/head injuries that prevent the constant battering of the cheek.


For rifles, one unit is recommended for .30 caliber and less, unless the shooter is firing custom loads where recoil is greater or has a medical issue that requires reducing recoil. For caliber’s greater than .30, two units are the norm.​

How much do the Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® weigh?

The units’ average weight is 6½ ounces. The drilling of a one-inch diameter hole for installation normally removes about an ounce of wood (depending on density) so you will gain about 5½ ounces per unit. The MAX weighs 7.5 ounces.​

Can the Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® be installed in synthetic stocks?

Yes! The installations are different for each type of stock and normal labor rates apply in lieu of the flat installation fee. Consult your gunsmith or Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® for more information or see our installation instructions

Does Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® recommend backboring
and porting?

We feel that any steps taken to reduce recoil are beneficial, and encourage shooters to use the combination that works best for their firearm. When possible, we recommend that the Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® be installed first, to determine if other control measures are really necessary.

How do I find an Edwards RECOIL REDUCER® authorized dealer
in my area?

Contact Edwards via email (nokick1@aol.com) or phone (443-995-2157).

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