Training for recoil

[Iain]

I was reading a thread in 'rifle country' where someone stated that he couldn't stand the recoil on a rifle because there is 'not much up there'. Got me to thinking as to whether any of you train for recoil when taking a whack from a 6 1/2 lb .338 Lapua (names not mentioned to protect certain folks) - I guess padding is an issue be that fat or muscle.

Assuming muscle is the preferred option (not to be fattist) - do any of you take specific measures to prevent those shoulder bones taking punishment? Or just not an issue?

I guess its not an issue for any 'plinking', but some of you seem to own lightweight rifles in substantial cartridges for hunting purposes.

Thanks for any thoughts.

www.exrx.net is a useful resource for exercises.

 

[Bainx]

Since I'm kind of small, I use padding. An old Mauser bandolieer stuffed with leather and foam rubber. Works very well. I've had a purple shoulder before and by damned, I ain't gonna do it again!

 

[El Tejon]

Recoil is our friend. We must be smarter than the firearm.

Learning to correctly hold the weapon and overcoming the fear of the weapon are the techniques that are necessary.

Perceived recoil is 95% mental. The other 5% is stock design.

 

[Oleg Volk]

Stock design, recoil pad, sling over supporting arm, muzzle-heavy guns all help. I had a butchered P1914 in .303 which had little wood and was a brute to shoot...now, with full military stock it is much easier. Same with Mosins, M44 carbine requires rocking back to avoid pain, whereas longer M91 doesn't.

 

[Moparmike]

I am going to add a recoil pad to my 8mm Mauser. With a steel buttplate, 5rds of Turkish is all I want to shoot. My 12ga doesnt kick that hard.

 

[Dave R]

Oleg makes some good points. Using a sling "Marine style" helps distribute recoil over an arm. Thumbhole stocks, pistol grip stocks, and stocks with a pronounced pistol grip allow the palm/forearm to take some of the recoil that would otherwise go straight to the shoulder.

Proper fit and proper hold really reduce the pain.

 

[ceetee]

Do a "google" search for "recoil pads". You should be able to find plenty of these:




http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,842.html





http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,1467.html

 

[twoblink]

First, I'd just like to say for the record;

Metal is not your shoulder's friend.

For my M1A, I added a recoil buffer (if not for the recoil reduction, at least the prolonging of receiver life) and I changed that horrid steel buttplate to a 2" rubber one. Man, what a difference a few inches of rubber instead of steel makes!

For the Mauser, Got a rubber booty to slip over it.

Recoil is NOT your friend if you want accuracy and a quick followup shot.