recoil on M1A vs bolt .308

How much of a difference is there in the recoil of the M1A versus a bolt rifle of the same caliber? Does the gas system make a big difference?

From what I can tell ... the reciprocation of the action in my M1A translates into a sharper recoil impulse than a bolt gun, but with less noticeable muzzle rise. Neither are unpleasant to shoot, just the bolt-action will give you more of a shove than the M1A will.

The gas system does make a bit of a difference, but the M1A is also a relatively heavy rifle, so comparing the felt recoil from it to that of a 6.5lb sporting rifle isn't exactly fair either.

Maine Coon--is that comparative felt recoil is as much a function of how the stocks of the 2 rifles being compared, fit you, as it is of any other factor.

A well-fitting stock goes a long way towards minimizing felt recoil. As does a really good recoil pad on the butt of the stock.

I don't believe that there can be a hard-and-fast answer to the question of comparing the felt recoil of an M1A versus "a .308 bolt gun."

It's the mass difference of the weapons, in total recoil impulse developed at the stock. Semi-auto vs. bolt has almost nothing to do with it, as most of the recoil energy is already exerted with the bolt still locked...it's not a blowback weapon.

It seems stock material is an issue too.

I have a Super Match with a bedded heavy walnut stock and a Loaded that is in GI Fiberglass stock.

Even though it is significantly heavier, the heavy barreled Super Match has a sharper feeling kick than the loaded with the same ammo.

Although neither a big issue to shoot. I normally shoot 100 rounds at a time when I shoot a M1A, and don't suffer any ill effects other than skin removed from my elbows when shooting prone.

In theory, the M1A felt recoil should be a bit less than a bolt rifle in the same caliber. I guess my shoulder is not well calibrated as I cannot really feel a difference between my M1A and my 18" Remington 788.

Maybe over a number of rounds, the M1A might feel a bit less.

I really need to get my shoulder calibrated.

A pound of weight difference in the rifles will result in more of a recoil difference than the gas system.

Recoil is strictly mind over matter. I don't mind, so it don't matter.

Generally my bolt guns have more felt recoil, but they are lighter weight and normally shoot a heavier bullet.

Comparing a M1917 or M1903 to a M1 Garand shooting the same ammo the bolt gun has a bit more recoil.

M1A recoil feels quite a bit less.

The last time I fired an M1A it was actually an M14 and had a standard military stock on it including the metal butt plate. That was total misery to shoot. After 100 or so rounds you felt like someone had beat your shoulder with a hammer. My M700 in .308 by comparison, is a dream to shoot! A nice recoil pad makes all the difference in the world!

I agree that if you put a good stock and recoil pad on an M1A, it will make it much more pleasant to shoot.

When that round impacts exactly where you aim it, recoil is a wonderful thing..

I also have a Colt/Sako bolt action L571 action with no recoil pad that would be great for hunting but does kick more than the M14. I have a sporterized 98 mauser with medium barrel, synthetic stock and recoil pad that makes the recoil bearable but still appears to kick more than the M14.

"recoil on M1A vs bolt .308
How much of a difference is there in the recoil of the M1A versus a bolt rifle of the same caliber? Does the gas system make a big difference?"

There is no difference in the energies, 'equal and opposite' as per Newton's Laws.

There is the differences in the perceived 'recoil' due to the timing of the energies.
The same energy transmitted into a light mass compared to the same energy being transmitted into a heavy mass. The lighter will in turn transmit the energy faster/felt as sharper and sooner into the shooter.

The perceived recoil is greater if the weapon is lighter in weight. Also mechanical actions of the action will delay or extend the rearward energies (compressing a spring slows the rearward action).

But which kicks harder, a bolt action or a M1A? All else being the same (ammunition, barrel length, weight of rifle) there would be no discernible difference. Minute measurements would give an edge to the bolt action as giving its energies in a shorter time.

To the practical comparisons.
I have a Remington Model 600 with 18.5 inch barrel and 1 in 10 twist.
I have an M1A, 22 inch barrel, 1 in 11 twist, set in an original brown GI fiberglass stock (with the selector switch cut out filled with a different colored fiberglass). It is very much heavier than the Remington Model 600.

I load 150gr bullets of different construction, but these comparisons are with the same bullets. I use 748 powder unless otherwise noted.

When I build a loading, I set a bottom loading (one that is safe, functions the action and 'feels' OK). Then I work up to the hottest loading that I feel prudent, same criteria. With these limits set, I work for the best/most accurate loading for that weapon.
In working up my loading for the 600, I stopped at 48.5gr of 748 for 2865fps. No pressure signs but the recoil was brutal.
In working up my loading for the M1A, I didn't push past 47gr of 748 for 2762fps.
With upper limits set, I settled on the bottom loading of 41.8gr 748 giving 2380fps and 2548fps, Rem 600 to M1A. This loading was pleasant to shoot in both weapons but didn't produce very good accuracy. With a great deal of testing in both weapons, I have found one loading that runs very well in both. 43gr of 748 for 2468fps and 2677fps, same order.

The perceived recoil of each is; Rem 600 is defiantly there but usable. M1A, I can shoot it all day with the only problem being having to pick up the brass ;)

The end determination is the weight of the rifle is the major determining factor when using the same ammunition.

Disclaimer:
These loads are or were safe in my weapons, loaded with my components in the manor that I put them together. These loading are provided for comparison only and should not be used for loading data as they may well not be save or appropriate with your components and or weapons.

I think the difference in recoil is mostly the weight of rifle and stock's ability to absorb energy.. bolt vs gas is not really the issue

To me the felt recoil of a semi-auto 308 always seems milder than that of a bolt action 308. Could be just me.

I do know that back when I did have an M1a I could shoot it for hours and not have a sore shoulder, can't say that about many of the bolt action 308's I've owned.