M1a recoil...

[IrvJr]

Folks,

I'm thinking about getting an M1a/M14s type of rifle. I've seen several in the stores, but haven't had an opportunity to shoot one. Up till now, I've only had experience with small bore (.22/.223) or pistol caliber (.44sp) long guns. What's the recoil like with the M1a? It's it significantly higher than a .223 type of rifle? How does it compare with a 12 gauge shotgun? Is the rifle comfortable to shoot for long (time-wise, not distance) range sessions?

Sorry if this is a lame question, but Enquiring minds want to know. Unfortunately, no one I know has a .308 M1a/semi-auto. Some folks I know have bolt guns, but not a semi-auto in .308/30'06.

I've had a fair amount of experience shooting various handguns, and even have a titanium S&W .38 (that has a stout kick, but isn't too bad with normal, non P+ loads) as well as a compact .45, however, I haven't had a chance to shoot an M1a, and I'm wondering if the recoil would be uncomfortable for long shooting sessions. I don't get much of an opportunity to go to the range, and when I do, I like to shoot a lot of ammo. I don't mind some recoil, but, for example, I don't enjoy shooting the heavy big-bore stuff (.44 mag, .454, even .41 mag etc.)

Thanks!

IrvJr

 

[rebelmark]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised on how little an M1A recoils. Its very managable, and also you can put a "mule Tamer" recoil reducer in the stock and eliminate recoil even further. I'd say it kicks like a 20 gauge shotgun with birdshot.

 

[critter]

Recoil is hard to describe, but I'll give it a 'shot' (pun intended). The M1A in .308 will give significantly more recoil than the .223 in the AR15 type guns but significantly less than the 12 ga shotgun it seems to me. It is a different kind of recoil than the .44 mags, etc you said you have shot. It gives a little muzzle rise and more of a 'push' type recoil than a 'quick slap' as the gun has significant weight.

I shoot one and in long range sessions with just a T-shirt, it will not bruise. I suppose it might, in long strings, be somewhat tiring in that high-grade target accuracy might become more difficult but other than that, it is not. Also, recoil will be felt much less when standing than shooting from a bench.

I believe you can easily handle the recoil from an M1A in .308 and with practice, it will be quite inconconsequental. Buy one and enjoy!

 

[Soap]

IMO all of the self-loaders in .308 give a gentle push. Nothing to worry about in the slightest bit.

 

[BerettaNut92]

I'm a tiny dude and the M1A recoil doesn't bother me one bit. The muzzle brake helps a lot, but when shooting prone, puts more dust in the air than General Lee getting chased by JD Hawg Reeehaw, them dukes, them dukes....

 

[Edward429451]

If I had to compare the M1A recoil between the .223 and 12 ga, I'd have to say its obviously closer to the 223.

My Mini-14 jumps more than my M1A in recoil, but the Mini is very light. I agree the M1A doesn't 'kick', its more of a gentle push.

I hear some guys complaining that the M1A is too heavy...

Balderdash. I got the 5 round mag and took it hunting, no problemo. I conclude that the 'too heavy crowd' doesn't 'want' to carry it. Its all in the mind.

 

[Ullr]

Its all in the mind.

Actually, I find it's all in the arms and shoulders, especially after a long day in the field. Of course, I don't hunt from a stand -- weight is an inconvenience.

It's that weight that makes the M1A such a pussycat to shoot. As others have remarked: a gentle push, nothing to be afraid of.

 

[Bill St. Clair]

My M1A kicks slightly less than my 20 gauge shotgun loaded with #8 target shot. "Gentle push" is a better description than "kick". My 11-year-old son loves shooting it. As do I.

My AR-15 has no kick whatsoever. Lots of noise, quite a bit of shock wave, but no kick. It has a muzzle break. An AR without a break might kick more, but I haven't tried one.

 

[cratz2]

Never shot an M1a but have shot Garands a plenty. The 30-06 should pretty much always have more kick than a 308 and the Garand doesn't have a brake. I've put 200 rounds through a Garand in a couple hours and don't recall any fatigue whatsoever. These guns just don't have enough recoil to talk about. More than an AR for sure and maybe a tiny bit more than a lightweight bolt rifle in 223, but I don't think it kicks as much as my Howa Ultralight 243.

I really can't imagine anyone having a problem with the recoil of an M1a.

 

[ACP]

I concur, "gentle push." I love the M1A. No problems shooting offhand, and I'm 178 lbs. This is with both 168-gr. match and mil-surp ammo.

 

[IrvJr]

Thanks...

Thanks for the feedback folks. I kinda figured that with the semi-auto action and the heavy weight, the recoil wouldn't be too bad, but I figured I ask the experts before I consider laying down my money.