Author: Grumpy
Legislators in half a dozen states are considering measures to roll back requirements that gun owners obtain permits and training before carrying concealed weapons, as Republican politicians race to show their support for gun rights ahead of primary and midterm elections this year.
But as the bills progress through state House and Senate chambers, they are running into new and increasingly vocal opposition from an unexpected source: Law enforcement organizations who say allowing more people to carry weapons would add to an already troubling spike in gun crimes.
In the nearly two decades since Alaska became the first state to allow concealed weapons without a permit, 20 others have joined in to scrap their rules. This year, legislators in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Indiana and Nebraska are considering their own versions.
“When it comes to the Second Amendment in Nebraska, it’s an issue that really hits home,” said state Sen. Tom Brewer, a conservative member of his state’s nonpartisan legislature and the bill’s chief sponsor. “You still have an obligation to have safe operation training. And I think people with any degree of responsibility or intelligence are going to understand that.”
Ohio legislators have already passed a similar bill; Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has not said whether he will sign it.
“It is going to promote lawlessness. I think that there will be people who carry weapons concealed for the purpose of being vigilantes. I think that it is not very well thought out for very high populated counties such as Hamilton County,” Ohio’s Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey said in an interview. “To vote for people to be able to concealed carry without a license, without any training, without any documentation, it makes it exponentially harder for law enforcement to prevent gun crimes.”
McGuffey, whose county includes the city of Cincinnati, is one of a handful of prominent law enforcement officials to testify or speak out against the proposed legislation. Gary Wolske, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, wrote an op-ed critical of the law in the Columbus Dispatch.
The sheriff of Lincoln, Neb., testified against his state’s proposed version. In Alabama, the state Sheriffs Association held a press conference outside the statehouse to detail their opposition. Mobile, Ala., Sheriff Sam Cochran last year fired one of his deputies, state Rep. Shane Stringer (R), who introduced the bill in the legislature.
Stringer did not respond to multiple requests for comment. But he told the Alabama Political Reporter last year he was proud of his bill.
“After dedicating my life and career to law enforcement, losing a job because I stand in support of Alabama gun owners is certainly surprising, but nothing will discourage me from defending the constitutional guarantees promised to all of us as American citizens,” Stringer said.
Brewer, the Nebraska senator, said law enforcement is by no means universally opposed to his bill.
“I’ve got 13 counties in my district and every sheriff there supports it,” he said in an interview.
Supporters of the measure call it “constitutional carry.” Opponents and gun safety activists call it “permitless carry.”
“Constitutional carry codifies into law the fundamental right to defend yourself when outside of the home,” said Amy Hunter, a spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association (NRA). “Law-abiding Americans should not have to pay additional fees to exercise their fundamental right to defend themselves and their families.”
Opponents of the laws say they would put more weapons on the streets at a time when gun crimes are already on the rise, underscoring law enforcement’s opposition to the bills.
“There are communities across the country that are already really struggling with the crisis of gun violence,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, a gun safety organization. “Law enforcement are saying lawmakers are just ignoring their concerns.”
Gun safety groups point to studies published in academic journals and by the National Bureau of Economic Research that show states that weaken firearm permitting systems subsequently experience an increase in homicide and violent crime rates.
“Poor decisionmaking happens, and unfortunately, if you’re carrying a weapon and you make a poor decision in a very elevated and high stress situation, the repercussions and ramifications of that are tremendous,” McGuffey said. “People in the general public don’t understand generally how poorly most people shoot.”
Gun rights supporters point to their own studies to make the case that guns are most frequently used outside the home. Hunter, the NRA spokesperson, highlighted a study showing three-quarters of defensive gun uses occurred outside of a gun owner’s house.
“Self-defense situations can arise anywhere, any time, and without warning,” Hunter said in an email.
Intraparty politics likely increase pressure to approve permitless carry laws for some Republicans. In Ohio, DeWine faces a challenge later this year from ex-Rep. Jim Renacci (R), who has cast himself as a staunch backer of former President Trump ahead of the May 3 primary.
But McGuffey said she would continue to press DeWine to veto the legislation.
“If you oppose it and veto it, Gov. DeWine, you may never know the lives you will save,” McGuffey said. “But if you pass this bill, there’s a great likelihood that you will know the lives you didn’t save. Those names will live in infamy.”
Recoil (often referred to as “kick”) is the force a rifle exerts against the shooter when it is fired. As a rule of thumb, the heavier a rifle the lower the recoil. However, perceived recoil — what the shooter feels — is influenced by several factors including the powder load, bullet mass, projectile speed and stock shape. Recoil is measured by free recoil energy, and recoil velocity. Selecting the correct rifle and cartridge combination ensures that a shooter can shoot accurately without discomfort.
Rifle recoil not only impacts how accurately you shoot, it can also determine how many shots you can shoot in a day, and simply how much you enjoy using your rifle. You’ll want a lower recoil rifle for shooting practice, so that you can shoot for longer periods of time. You’ll also want lower recoil when you’re hunting over long days. If you’re hunting game where you’ll just need one well-placed shot, and you’re able to maintain your aim through the heavier recoil, a more powerful rifle with heavy recoil may be right for you.
The following chart provides a rifle’s recoil level based on its recoil score*.
| Recoil Score* | Recoil Level |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Low Recoil |
| 3-4 | Moderate Recoil |
| 5-10 | High Recoil |
The following table provides rifle recoil energy, recoil velocity and recoil score of various rifle cartridges based on respective projectile weight, projectile velocity, powder charge and rifle weight.
Note: Bw = Bullet Weight; Mv = Muzzle Velociy; Rw = Rifle Weight
| Cartridge (Bw;Mv;Rw) | Recoil Energy (ft-lbs) | Recoil Velocity (fps) | Recoil Score* |
|---|---|---|---|
| .17 HMR (17; 2550; 7.5) | 0.2 | 1.5 | 1.02 |
| .17 Hornet (20; 3650; 8.5) | 0.6 | 2 | 1.08 |
| .17 Rem. (25; 4000; 8.5) | 1.6 | 3.5 | 1.24 |
| .204 Ruger (33; 4225; 8.5) | 2.6 | 4.4 | 1.38 |
| .218 Bee (45; 2800; 8.5) | 1.3 | 3.1 | 1.20 |
| .22 LR (40; 1165; 4) | 0.2 | 1 | 1.00 |
| .22 WMR (40; 1910; 6.75) | 0.4 | 1.5 | 1.04 |
| .22 Hornet (45; 2800; 7.5) | 1.3 | 3.3 | 1.20 |
| .222 Rem. (50; 3200; 7.5) | 3 | 5.1 | 1.45 |
| .223 Rem. (45; 3500; 8.5) | 2.6 | 4.5 | 1.38 |
| .223 Rem. (55; 3200; 8) | 3.2 | 5.1 | 1.46 |
| .223 Rem. (62; 3025; 7) | 3.9 | 6 | 1.57 |
| .223 Rem. (70; 2900; 8) | 3.6 | 5.4 | 1.52 |
| .224 Wby. Mag. (55; 3700; 10) | 3.6 | 4.8 | 1.49 |
| .22-250 Rem. (55; 3600; 8.5) | 4.7 | 6 | 1.65 |
| .22-250 Rem. (60; 3500; 12.5) | 3.1 | 4 | 1.41 |
| .220 Swift (50; 3900; 10.5) | 3.7 | 4.8 | 1.50 |
| .220 Swift (55; 3800; 8.5) | 5.3 | 6.4 | 1.72 |
| .223 WSSM (55; 3850; 7.5) | 6.4 | 7.4 | 1.87 |
| 5.6×50 Mag. (60; 3300; 7.5) | 4 | 5.9 | 1.58 |
| 5.6x52R (70; 2800; 7.5) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 1.54 |
| 5.6×57 RWS (60; 3800; 7.5) | 6.9 | 7.7 | 1.93 |
| 6mm BR Rem. (80; 3100; 8.5) | 5.2 | 6.3 | 1.71 |
| 6mm Norma BR (95; 2914; 8.5) | 5.9 | 6.7 | 1.80 |
| .243 Win. (75; 3400; 8.5) | 7.2 | 7.4 | 1.95 |
| .243 Win. (95; 3100; 7.25) | 11 | 9.9 | 2.43 |
| .243 Win. (100; 2960; 7.5) | 8.8 | 8.7 | 2.16 |
| 6mm Rem. (100; 3100; 8) | 10 | 9 | 2.29 |
| .243 WSSM (100; 3100; 7.5) | 10.1 | 9.3 | 2.31 |
| .240 Wby. Mag. (100; 3406; 8) | 17.9 | 9.7 | 3.09 |
| .25-20 Win. (86; 1460; 6.5) | 1.3 | 3.5 | 1.21 |
| .256 Win. Mag. (75; 2400; 7.5) | 2.4 | 4.5 | 1.36 |
| .25-35 Win. (110; 2425; 7.5) | 6 | 7.2 | 1.83 |
| .25-35 Win. (117; 2230; 7.5) | 7 | 8.3 | 1.97 |
| .250 Savage (100; 2900; 7.5) | 7.8 | 8.2 | 2.04 |
| .257 Roberts (100; 3000; 7.5) | 9.3 | 8.9 | 2.22 |
| .257 Roberts (120; 2800; 8) | 10.7 | 9.3 | 2.37 |
| .257 Rob. Imp. (115; 2900; 8) | 10.8 | 9.3 | 2.38 |
| .25 WSSM (120; 2990; 8) | 13.8 | 11.1 | 2.75 |
| .25-06 Rem. (100; 3230; 8) | 11 | 9.4 | 2.41 |
| .25-06 Rem. (120; 3000; 8) | 12.5 | 10 | 2.58 |
| .257 Wby. Mag. (100; 3602; 9.25) | 15.8 | 10.5 | 2.92 |
| .257 Wby. Mag. (115; 3433; 9.25) | 17.7 | 11.1 | 3.13 |
| .257 Wby. Mag. (120; 3300; 9.25) | 15.1 | 10.3 | 2.84 |
| 6.5mm Grendel (120; 2600; 7.5) | 8.9 | 8.8 | 2.18 |
| 6.5mm Grendel (123; 2590; 8) | 7.9 | 8 | 2.05 |
| 6.5×54 M-S (140; 2400; 7.5) | 11.1 | 9.7 | 2.43 |
| 6.5 PRC (143; 2960; 6.1) | 15.7 | 11 | 2.93 |
| 6.5×55 Swede (129; 2700; 8) | 12.5 | 10 | 2.58 |
| 6.5×55 Swede (140; 2650; 9) | 10.6 | 8.7 | 2.34 |
| 6.5×55 Swede (140; 2735; 8.5) | 12.1 | 9.6 | 2.52 |
| 6.5×55 Swede (160; 2300; 8) | 12.7 | 10.1 | 2.60 |
| .260 Rem. (120; 2860; 7.5) | 13 | 10.6 | 2.65 |
| .260 Rem. (140; 2360; 8) | 9.5 | 8.8 | 2.23 |
| .260 Rem. (129; 2900; 8.25) | 12.5 | 9.9 | 2.57 |
| .260 Rem. (140; 2750; 8.25) | 11.9 | 9.7 | 2.51 |
| 6.5×57 (140; 2700; 8) | 12.5 | 10 | 2.58 |
| 6.5mm-284 Norma (140; 2920; 8) | 14.7 | 10.9 | 2.83 |
| 6.5mm-06 (140; 2800; 8) | 13.9 | 10.6 | 2.74 |
| 6.5mm Rem. Mag. (120; 3100; 8) | 13.1 | 10.3 | 2.65 |
| 6.5mm Rem. Mag. (140; 2900; 8.5) | 13.9 | 10.3 | 2.73 |
| 6.5×68 S (140; 2990; 8.5) | 16.8 | 11.3 | 3.05 |
| .264 Win. Mag. (140; 3200; 8.5) | 19.2 | 12.1 | 3.32 |
| .26 Nosler (129; 3400; 8.5) | 23.9 | 13.5 | 3.84 |
| 6.5-300 Wby. Mag. (140; 3395; 9.5) | 21.1 | 12 | 3.50 |
| 6.8mm Rem. SPC (115; 2625; 7.5) | 8 | 8.3 | 2.07 |
| .270 Win. (120; 2675; 8) | 10 | 9 | 2.29 |
| .270 Win. (140; 3000; 8) | 17.1 | 11.7 | 3.10 |
| .270 Win. (150; 2900; 8) | 17 | 11.7 | 3.09 |
| .270 WSM (130; 3275; 8) | 18.7 | 12.3 | 3.28 |
| .270 WSM (150; 3000; 8) | 18.9 | 12.3 | 3.30 |
| .270 Wby. Mag. (130; 3375; 9) | 21 | 12.3 | 3.50 |
| .270 Wby. Mag. (150; 3000; 9.25) | 17.8 | 11.1 | 3.14 |
| 7×57 Mauser (139; 2700; 8.75) | 11.7 | 9.3 | 2.47 |
| 7×57 Mauser (140; 2660; 8) | 13.5 | 10.4 | 2.69 |
| 7×57 Mauser (145; 2725; 8.5) | 13 | 9.9 | 2.62 |
| 7×57 Mauser (175; 2500; 8) | 15.5 | 11.2 | 2.92 |
| 7mm-08 Rem. (120; 3000; 7.5) | 12.1 | 10.2 | 2.55 |
| 7mm-08 Rem. (140; 2860; 8) | 12.6 | 10.1 | 2.59 |
| 7mm-08 Rem. (150; 2750; 7.5) | 13.9 | 10.9 | 2.75 |
| 7x65R (175; 2600; 8) | 17.1 | 11.7 | 3.10 |
| .280 Rem. (140; 3000; 8) | 17.2 | 11.8 | 3.11 |
| .280 Rem. (150; 2900; 8) | 17.4 | 11.8 | 3.13 |
| .280 Rem. (160; 2800; 8) | 17 | 11.7 | 3.09 |
| .280 Ackley Imp. (150; 2930; 8.5) | 16.3 | 11.1 | 3.00 |
| 7mm Rem. SAUM (160; 2931; 8) | 21.5 | 13.2 | 3.59 |
| 7mm WSM (140; 3200; 8) | 20.7 | 12.9 | 3.50 |
| 7mm WSM (160; 3000; 8) | 21.9 | 13.3 | 3.63 |
| 7mm Rem. Mag. (139; 3100; 9) | 19.3 | 11.8 | 3.32 |
| 7mm Rem. Mag. (140; 2700; 8.5) | 15.5 | 10.8 | 2.90 |
| 7mm Rem. Mag. (150; 3100; 8.5) | 19.2 | 12.1 | 3.32 |
| 7mm Rem. Mag. (154; 3035; 8.5) | 20.3 | 12.4 | 3.44 |
| 7mm Rem. Mag. (160; 2950; 9) | 20.3 | 12 | 3.42 |
| 7mm Rem. Mag. (175; 2870; 9) | 21.7 | 12.5 | 3.58 |
| .275 H&H Mag. (160; 3050; 8.5) | 19.5 | 12.2 | 3.35 |
| 7mm Wby. Mag. (140; 3300; 9.25) | 19.5 | 11.7 | 3.33 |
| 7mm Wby. Mag. (160; 3200; 9) | 25.6 | 13.5 | 4.00 |
| 7mm STW (160; 3185; 8.5) | 27.9 | 14.6 | 4.27 |
| .28 Nosler (160; 3200; 8.5) | 29.4 | 14.9 | 4.43 |
| .30 Carbine (110; 1990; 7) | 3.5 | 5.7 | 1.52 |
| .300 Blackout (135; 2085; 8) | 3.32 | 4.95 | 1.47 |
| .30 Rem. (170; 2120; 7.5) | 9.8 | 9.2 | 2.28 |
| .30-30 Win. (125; 2175; 7.5) | 6.6 | 7.5 | 1.90 |
| .30-30 Win. (150; 2364; 8) | 9.4 | 8.7 | 2.22 |
| .30-30 Win. (150; 2400; 7.5) | 10.6 | 9.5 | 2.37 |
| .30-30 Win. (160; 2400; 7.5) | 12.7 | 10.5 | 2.62 |
| .30-30 Win. (170; 2200; 7.5) | 11 | 9.7 | 2.42 |
| .307 Win. (150; 2600; 7.5) | 13.7 | 10.9 | 2.73 |
| .308 Marlin Express (160; 2660; 8) | 13.4 | 10.4 | 2.68 |
| 7.5×55 Swiss (150; 2800; 9) | 12.9 | 9.6 | 2.60 |
| .308 Win. (125; 2675; 8.75) | 9 | 8.1 | 2.16 |
| .308 Win. (150; 2800; 7.5) | 15.8 | 11.7 | 2.97 |
| .308 Win. (165; 2700; 7.5) | 18.1 | 12.5 | 3.23 |
| .308 Win. (180; 2610; 8) | 17.5 | 11.9 | 3.15 |
| .30 T/C (150; 2900; 8.5) | 13.9 | 10.3 | 2.73 |
| .30-06 Spfd. (150; 2910; 8) | 17.6 | 11.9 | 3.16 |
| .30-06 Spfd. (165; 2900; 8) | 20.1 | 12.7 | 3.43 |
| .30-06 Spfd. (180; 2700; 8) | 20.3 | 12.8 | 3.46 |
| .30-06 Ackley Imp. (180; 2985; 8.5) | 23 | 13.2 | 3.74 |
| .300 RCM (180; 2900; 8.5) | 22.3 | 13 | 3.66 |
| .300 Rem. SAUM (180; 2960; 8.25) | 23.5 | 13.6 | 3.80 |
| .300 WSM (150; 3300; 8.25) | 22.5 | 13.3 | 3.69 |
| .300 WSM (180; 2970; 7.25) | 27.1 | 15.5 | 4.23 |
| .300 WSM (180; 2970; 8.25) | 23.8 | 13.6 | 3.83 |
| .308 Norma Mag. (180; 3000; 8.5) | 25.9 | 14 | 4.05 |
| .300 Win. Mag. (150; 3320; 8.5) | 23.5 | 13.3 | 3.79 |
| .300 Win. Mag. (165; 3110; 8) | 26.2 | 14.5 | 4.10 |
| .300 Win. Mag. (180; 2960; 8.5) | 25.9 | 14 | 4.05 |
| .300 H&H Mag. (180; 2920; 8.5) | 23.1 | 13.2 | 3.75 |
| .300 Dakota (180; 3100; 8.5) | 28.3 | 14.7 | 4.32 |
| .30 Nosler (180; 3112; 9) | 26.9 | 13.9 | 4.15 |
| .300 Wby. Mag. (150; 3400; 9.25) | 24.6 | 13.1 | 3.89 |
| .300 Wby. Mag. (180; 3240; 9) | 31.6 | 15 | 4.65 |
| .300 Ultra Mag. (180; 3230; 8.5) | 32.8 | 15.8 | 4.80 |
| .300 Norma Mag. (180; 3317; 8.5) | 35.5 | 16.4 | 5.09 |
| .30-378 Wby. Mag. (180; 3300; 9.75) | 42.6 | 16.8 | 5.80 |
| 7.62×39 Soviet (125; 2350; 7) | 6.9 | 8 | 1.95 |
| 7.62x53R Finn (150; 2800; 9) | 13.1 | 9.7 | 2.62 |
| 7.62x54R Russian (150; 2800; 9) | 13.1 | 9.7 | 2.62 |
| 7.62x54R Russian (174; 2600; 9) | 15 | 10.4 | 2.84 |
| .303 British (150; 2700; 7.5) | 14.2 | 11 | 2.79 |
| .303 British (180; 2420; 8) | 15.4 | 11.1 | 2.91 |
| .32 Spec. (165; 2410; 7.5) | 13.2 | 10.6 | 2.67 |
| .32 Spec. (170; 2250; 7) | 12.2 | 10.6 | 2.57 |
| 8×57 Mauser (170; 2400; 8) | 13.6 | 10.4 | 2.70 |
| 8x57JS Mauser (150; 2900; 8) | 17.1 | 11.7 | 3.10 |
| 8x57JS Mauser (195; 2500; 8) | 18.5 | 12.2 | 3.26 |
| .325 WSM (180; 3060; 7.5) | 33.1 | 16.9 | 4.88 |
| .325 WSM (220; 2840; 7.5) | 37.5 | 17.9 | 5.35 |
| 8mm Rem. Mag. (200; 2900; 8.5) | 32.9 | 15.8 | 4.81 |
| .33 Win. (200; 2100; 8) | 13.9 | 10.6 | 2.74 |
| .338-57 O’Connor (200; 2400; 8) | 19.2 | 12.4 | 3.33 |
| .338 Marlin Express (200; 2400; 8) | 16.2 | 11.4 | 3.00 |
| .338 Marlin Express (200; 2600; 8) | 22 | 14 | 3.67 |
| .338 Federal (200; 2660; 8.5) | 19.3 | 12.1 | 3.33 |
| .338 Federal (210; 2630; 8) | 21.9 | 13.3 | 3.63 |
| .338-06 A-Square (200; 2800; 8) | 23.9 | 13.9 | 3.85 |
| .338-06 A-Square (250; 2500; 8.5) | 28.2 | 14.6 | 4.30 |
| .338 RCM (200; 2800; 8) | 26.1 | 14.5 | 4.09 |
| .338 Win. Mag. (200; 2950; 8.5) | 32.8 | 15.8 | 4.80 |
| .338 Win. Mag. (225; 2780; 8.5) | 35.2 | 16.3 | 5.06 |
| .338 Win. Mag. (250; 2700; 9) | 33.1 | 15.4 | 4.82 |
| .338 Lapua Mag. (225; 3000; 9.5) | 37.2 | 15.9 | 5.24 |
| .338-378 Wby. Mag. (250; 3040; 11.75) | 41.1 | 15 | 5.58 |
| .340 Wby. Mag. (200; 3100; 8.5) | 29.6 | 13.8 | 4.41 |
| .340 Wby. Mag. (250; 2940; 9) | 43.4 | 17.6 | 5.91 |
| .38 Special. (158; 1100; 7) | 1.7 | 4 | 1.27 |
| .357 Mag. (158; 1650; 7) | 4.7 | 6.6 | 1.67 |
| .357 Mag. (180; 1550; 6.5) | 5.5 | 7.4 | 1.79 |
| .35 Rem. (200; 2050; 7.5) | 13.5 | 10.8 | 2.71 |
| .358 Win. (200; 2490; 8) | 20.9 | 13 | 3.52 |
| .358 Win. (250; 2260; 7.5) | 23 | 13.9 | 3.77 |
| .35 Whelen (200; 2675; 8) | 22.6 | 13.5 | 3.71 |
| .35 Whelen (225; 2525; 8) | 25 | 14.2 | 3.97 |
| .35 Whelen (250; 2400; 7.5) | 27.9 | 15.5 | 4.31 |
| .350 Rem. Mag. (200; 2700; 8.5) | 22.3 | 13 | 3.66 |
| .350 Rem. Mag. (225; 2550; 8.5) | 24.2 | 13.5 | 3.87 |
| .350 Rem. Mag. (250; 2500; 8.5) | 29 | 14.8 | 4.39 |
| .358 Norma Mag. (250; 2723; 9) | 31.2 | 15 | 4.61 |
| 9.3×57 (232; 2330; 8.5) | 19.8 | 12.2 | 3.38 |
| 9.3×62 (250; 2450; 8.5) | 25.7 | 14 | 4.03 |
| 9.3×62 (286; 2360; 9) | 28 | 14.1 | 4.26 |
| 9.3×64 (286; 2650; 9) | 36.5 | 16.2 | 5.18 |
| 9.3×66 (286; 2559; 9) | 36.3 | 16.1 | 5.16 |
| 9.3x74R (250; 2550; 9) | 29.1 | 14.4 | 4.38 |
| 9.3x74R (286; 2400; 8.25) | 34.3 | 16.6 | 4.98 |
| .370 Sako Mag. (286; 2550; 8.5) | 35.2 | 16.3 | 5.06 |
| .375 Win. (220; 2200; 7.5) | 17.1 | 12.1 | 3.12 |
| .375 Ruger (270; 2840; 9) | 41.3 | 17.2 | 5.69 |
| .375 Ruger (300; 2550; 8.5) | 44.8 | 18.4 | 6.08 |
| .375 H&H Mag. (235; 2700; 9) | 29.5 | 14.5 | 4.43 |
| .375 H&H Mag. (270; 2690; 9) | 36.1 | 16.1 | 5.14 |
| .375 H&H Mag. (300; 2530; 9) | 37.3 | 16.3 | 5.26 |
| .375 Dakota (300; 2600; 8.5) | 44.5 | 18.4 | 6.06 |
| .375 Wby. Mag. (300; 2700; 10) | 47.3 | 17.5 | 6.29 |
| .38-40 Win. (180; 1100; 7.5) | 3.1 | 5.2 | 1.46 |
| .404 Jeffery (400; 2170; 10.25) | 41 | 16.1 | 5.62 |
| .405 Win. (300; 2200; 8) | 30.6 | 15.7 | 4.58 |
| .41 Rem. Mag. (210; 1775; 7) | 9.5 | 9.4 | 2.26 |
| .416 Taylor (400; 2350; 10) | 47.8 | 17.5 | 6.34 |
| .416 Ruger (400; 2390; 9) | 58.1 | 20.4 | 7.47 |
| .416 Rem. Mag. (400; 2400; 10) | 52.9 | 18.5 | 6.88 |
| .416 Rigby (400; 2400; 10) | 58.1 | 19.3 | 7.42 |
| .416 Dakota (400; 2500; 10) | 59.2 | 19.5 | 7.54 |
| .416 Wby. Mag. (400; 2700; 10.25) | 83 | 22.8 | 10.00 |
| .44 Rem. Mag. (240; 1760; 7.5) | 11.2 | 9.8 | 2.44 |
| .44 Rem. Mag. (275; 1580; 7.5) | 11.4 | 9.9 | 2.47 |
| .444 Marlin (240; 2400; 7.5) | 23.3 | 14.2 | 3.81 |
| .444 Marlin (265; 2200; 8.5) | 22.1 | 12.9 | 3.64 |
| .444 Marlin (265; 2325; 8.5) | 27.6 | 15.4 | 4.28 |
| .45 Colt (255; 1100; 8) | 4 | 5.6 | 1.56 |
| .45 Colt +P (250; 1500; 6.5) | 11.1 | 10.5 | 2.46 |
| .458 SOCOM (300; 1840; 7.5) | 20.2 | 13.2 | 3.46 |
| .45-70 (300; 1800; 7) | 23.9 | 14.8 | 3.89 |
| .45-70 (350; 1900; 7) | 37.9 | 18.7 | 5.42 |
| .45-70 (405; 1330; 7.5) | 18.7 | 12.7 | 3.30 |
| .450 Marlin (350; 2000; 7) | 37.2 | 18.5 | 5.35 |
| .450 Marlin (350; 2100; 8.5) | 33.6 | 16 | 4.89 |
| .450 N.E. (465; 2150; 11) | 55.5 | 18 | 7.11 |
| .458 Win. Mag. (400; 2050; 9) | 41.7 | 17.3 | 5.74 |
| .458 Win. Mag. (500; 2100; 9) | 62.3 | 21.1 | 7.91 |
| .458 Lott (500; 2300; 10) | 70.4 | 21.3 | 8.71 |
| .470 N.E. (500; 2150; 11) | 69.3 | 20.1 | 8.55 |
| .480 Ruger (325; 1450; 6.25) | 16.4 | 13 | 3.08 |
| .50 BMG (647; 2710; 30) | 70 | 12.3 | 8.29 |
| *Recoil score is calculated as a function of recoil energy and recoil velocity using a weight average which is then normalized between 1-10. See below for a detailed explanation. Recoil energy and recoil velocity figures are taken from various sources including the recoil nomograph in the Handloader’s Digest 8th Edition, online recoil calculators, or calculated from the formula provided in the Lyman Reloading Handbook, 43rd Edition. | |||
CALCULATING RIFLE RECOIL
We’re all familiar with Newton’s third law which states for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Newton’s third law explains why when you shoot a gun it kicks. The bullet explosion exerts an incidental force on the gun which in turn transfers a reciprocal force onto the shoulder. Mathematically, this relationship is explained by the equation F(i) = -F(r), where F(i) represents the ‘incident force’ (bullet force on the gun) and -F(r) represents the ‘reciprocal force’ (gun force on shoulder). This force is referred to as Recoil, or in industry vernacular “kick”. How much kick a rifle generates when discharged is a function of two measurements: Recoil Energy and Recoil Velocity.
RECOIL ENERGY
Recoil energy is the kinetic energy transferred to the shooter when a gun is discharged. It’s the propulsive force generated when the powder charge within a firearm chamber combusts. Recoil energy is measured in Joules (J) but is more commonly expressed in foot-pounds of force (ft-lbf). Recoil energy is sometimes referred to as “free recoil”. While similar, the two terms are different. Recoil energy is the measurement of gross energy produced by the discharge of a firearm. Free recoil is the measurement of net energy produced by the discharge of a firearm–or gross energy less recoil energy loss due to various energy transferring inhibitors such as recoil reducing butt pad; muzzle break; recoil suppression tube; recoil operated action vs gas operated action; etc. In other words, free recoil energy is the actual energy absorbed by the body of the shooter.
Each shooter perceives free recoil energy slightly different. Some of the factors that influence perceived recoil energy include but are not limited to: size of the shooter; shooting style and position; suppression equipment (as previously mentioned); firearm fit; and other environmental stressors. For example, a 240lb muscular man is not going to experience the same amount of perceived recoil energy when shooting a .30-06 Springfield rifle as will a 130lb woman with a smaller body frame and structure. This isn’t because the woman is not as strong as the man, but simply because the same energy transfer is being met by the man’s greater mass.
Rifle weight is also a very important factor in determining and managing free recoil. Rifle weight is inversely proportional to a rifle’s recoil. All things being equal, the heavier the rifle the lower the free recoil energy. Inversely, the lighter the rifle, the greater the free recoil energy. Therefore, rifles that shoot heavier rounds are typically manufactured with more weight. If you purchase a lightweight rifle that shoots heavier rounds, expect it to pack a punch.
RECOIL VELOCITY
Where recoil energy determines how big of a punch the shoulder will feel, recoil velocity determines how abrupt of a punch the shoulder feels. Recoil velocity is the speed at which the stock of the rifle impacts your shoulder. A rifle that produces high recoil energy, but low recoil velocity, is going to pack a large slow punch. Inversely, a rifle that produces low recoil energy, but high recoil velocity, is going to pack a small fast punch. Recoil velocity is measured in feet per second (fps).
RECOIL SCORE
If you’ve never shot a rifle before, or have limited experience shooting rifles, it can be difficult to conceptualize based on Recoil Velocity and Recoil Energy measurements alone what it’s going to feel like to shoot a particular rifle. In our opinion, rifles that generated over 20 lbs of recoil energy when discharged may cause shooters to develop a sore shoulder. A maximum 15 lbs of recoil energy and 10 fps recoil velocity is probably the most an average shooter can comfortably handle for long-term hunting or target shooting. However, it’s the combination of both recoil energy and recoil velocity that generate the overall impact a shooter feels when shooting a rifle.
Recoil score combines recoil energy and recoil velocity measurements into a single value. While rifle recoil scores are subjective, they are useful for gauging the perceived “kick” of one rifle relative to another. If you’ve ever shot a .257 Roberts with a recoil score of 2.37 (low recoil) it’s easy to conceptualize how it will feel to shoot a .338 Lapua Magnum with a recoil score of 5.24 (high recoil).
Recoil level is calculated as a function of the weighted average of recoil energy and recoil velocity at a ratio of 7:3, respectively, to generate a recoil score. The recoil score is then normalized between 1 and 10 using the normalization equation xnormalized=(b−a)*((x−min(x)/max(x)−min(x))+a where xnormalized denotes the measurement to be scaled, min(x) denotes the minimum of the range of the measurement, max(x) denotes the maximum of the range of the measurement, b denotes the highest value and a denotes the lowest value. Recoil level is than assigned on a scale from 1-10 with ranges of 1-2 (low recoil), 3-4 (moderate recoil) and 5-10 (high recoil).
Disclaimer: Sportsman’s Warehouse assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information on this page. Although we strive to provide the most accurate information as we can the information contained in this page is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. There are many quantitative and qualitative factors that influence rifle recoil and how it impacts the individual shooter. Do not use this guide as a basis for purchasing a rifle. It is design for informational purposes only.
I’m an unashamed shotgun nerd, and I love all types of shotguns. This includes guns that are technically not shotguns but use shotgun patterns, shotgun ammunition, and the like. You know, those pesky little firearms like the TAC-14 and Shockwave firearms. These guns tend to be tough to aim and tough to shoot, at least compared to a stocked shotgun. Crimson Trace has your back in making that a fair bit easier via the Crimson Trace Laser Saddle.
The Laser Saddle fits onto the receiver of your shotgun or firearm and predictably gives you a laser aiming point. It saddles on, much like an ammunition toting side-saddle. It’s a rather low profile and ergonomic option to make aiming your scattergun quick and easy.
I’ve installed the Remington variant of the side saddle onto my TAC-14. As mentioned, Crimson Trace only produces the Laser Saddle for the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 series shotguns and firearms. We also get the option of a green or red laser. This particular model offers the red laser variant. The MSRP is 194.99, but I purchased mine for much less than MSRP.
Inside the Laser Saddle
The Laser Saddle weighs a hair more than 2 ounces, according to my kitchen scale. Crimson Trace doesn’t publish the weight, sadly. The gun adds a hair of bulk to the receiver but not enough to make a major difference. Power comes from two CR2032 batteries, and the Laser Saddle will work for about four hours of continuous use.
The laser is a 5 Mw red dot that’s actually impressively large and very easy to see. The red dot emits from the right side of the Laser Saddle and sits right beside the top of the receiver.
Installation varies between models, and the Remington variant utilizes the trigger group bolts to pin the Laser Saddle into place. Crimson Trace includes two extra-long bolts to make installation quick and easy. It takes no time at all to install the Laser Saddle. It took me a total of five minutes, including getting the batteries in place. The hardest part was finding my punch!
An ambidextrous “on” button sits across the top of the receiver. It sits right where the safety on a Mossberg 500 would sit. This placement ensures it’s ambidextrous and easy to access. It’s a big, tactile button that’s really easy to operate.
There is also a master-off switch that shuts the Laser Saddle down. It’s small, recessed, and it seems impossible to accidentally switch on or off.
To The Range
Making changes to the elevation and windage requires a small, included Allen key that makes it easy to zero the saddle. I zeroed it essentially to the dot and confirmed with a little buckshot live fire. Visible lasers don’t work well on sunny days and at longer ranges. Luckily the TAC-14 isn’t a long-range weapon.
At 15 yards, that big red dot is plenty easy to see on target, even on bright, sunny days. Not bad for a visible laser and perfect for the TAC-14 and its preferred range. Shooting the TAC-14 accurately has never been easier.
Seriously, the addition of the Laser Saddle makes it super easy to aim the weapon accurately. I spent an afternoon giggling away as I used birdshot to turn clay pigeons into dust. I tossed them onto the berm and started blasting away as fast as I could. The big red dot makes it easy to aim the TAC-14 while keeping it tight to the body, which allows me to easily control the recoil.
It’s quite fun to move from target to target blast away. I like the TAC-14 because it’s somewhat tough to shoot. The recoil is rough, the lack of a stock makes it tough to control, and that creates a challenge. That challenge makes it fun, or at least it does to me.
Practical Application
Turning clay pigeons into dust is fun, but what about a more practical application? I’m glad you asked. With some man-sized targets and some 00 buckshot, I used a shot timer to record my snapshots at 10 yards. I can keep my focus on the target, and as soon as the red dot from the Laser Saddle meets the target, I know where my buckshot is going.
This makes it easy to direct accurate buckshot into the torso or head of a target with excellent accuracy. Speed-wise I can make a snapshot from the low ready with the TAC-14 in about half a second. Not bad for a pistol grip only 12 gauge firearm loaded with 1,325 FPS buckshot.
Going from target to target is quite easy. Follow the dot, pull the trigger, and boom, you’ll land lead where you need it. I wouldn’t pick up the TAC-14 for a fight over a stocked 870, but I’d feel more confident it wore the Laser Saddle.
I never lost zero, even when using full-powered buckshot. The Laser Saddle never shook itself loose even after a few hundred rounds and remained tight and in place. That big button is fantastic and provides you with a quick and easy activation for quick on target potential. It’s a tactile button, so you know when you press it.
The Downsides of The Laser Saddle
With the Remington variant, you are utilizing the trigger group pins, and those are often utilized for attaching ammo side saddles, and the Laser Saddle limits your side saddle options. A shotgun card from Esstac or Vang Comp will work, though.
I did have to choose between the Laser Saddle and the Burris SpeedBead. They won’t work together, sadly, and the Laser Saddle sits in the way of the SpeedBead, so keep that in mind. Additionally, the range is totaled out at about 15 yards on bright days. In dimmer environments, the range extends. Don’t expect to get slug range from the Laser Saddle.
Saddle Up!
The Crimson Trace Laser Saddle grants you a fantastic sighting option for your pistol grip only shotguns or firearms. There where I see this thing really shine. On normal shotguns, I’m sure it’s fine, but it really makes handling a PGO a lot of fun and much easier to aim and direct fire with. It’s worth the cost of admission just for the entertainment value it provides. Check it out and let us know what you think about the Laser Saddle and lasers in general below.
Someday I hope that I will get to shoot one of these copies of this all time classic.
Sine there is no way in hell. That anybody would be stupid enough, to let me near an original! As I think that they are almost worth their weight in at least silver if not gold by now!
Also I have no doubt by then. That I will not be able to hit the broad side of the Pacific Ocean with one.
I will however have one of my strange smiles on. Remembering all the great times that I have had with all the great guns that I have shot. When I am in the rest home out there in Barstow*, California. While the rats will be gnawing on my toes that is. Grumpy
*My apologies to my readers out in Barstow. But even you kind folks have to admit. That the terrain around your area really sucks!
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Interesting !
U.S.A. –-(AmmoLand.com)- By a 55-42 dead-of-night vote, the Washington State House of Representatives has passed a ban on rifle and pistol magazines holding more than 10 cartridges (including magazines for rimfire rifles), causing outrage among Evergreen State grassroots activists who will be looking unseat as many Democrats as possible in the November 2022 election.
Senate Bill 5078 goes to the desk of anti-gun Democrat Gov. Jay Inslee, who has already vowed to sign it. Two Democrat House members—Reps. Kirsten Harris-Talley from Seattle and Steve Kirby from Tacoma—voted against the measure, breaking ranks from their majority Democrat colleagues.
The vote came about two weeks after Liberty Park Press published a revealing report about the ineffectiveness of magazine capacity limit that many readers sent to their state lawmakers.
The late-night Friday vote was hailed by anti-gun Democrat Attorney General Bob Ferguson in a tweet now posted at the Facebook page of the Washington 2022 Legislative Action Group. The legislation was introduced at Ferguson’s request by Democrat Sen. Marko Liias of Lynnwood.
“Today is the fulfillment of years of hard work from so many,” Ferguson wrote. “More than five years ago, I stood with the parents of shooting victims, legislators, mayors, police chiefs and representatives from faith communities to say enough is enough, and proposed banning the sale of high-capacity magazines in Washington state. Today, our Legislature chose public safety over the gun lobby, and I am deeply appreciative of their service. This policy will save lives and make our communities safer from gun violence.”
But Wade Gaughran, owner of a Bellevue gun range and firearms retail business, reacted bluntly, telling KING News, “There’s no way that an intelligent person is going to look at this law and see that it would stop or limit or change the of any kind of mass shooting.”
He predicted a surge in magazine purchasing, a notion reinforced by an announcement from at least one firm—Palmetto State Armory—announced it will prioritize orders from Washington State residents: “All magazine orders placed from Washington State with Palmetto State Armory with ship out immediately and receive priority over all other orders.”
Dan Mitchell, owner of Vancouver’s Sporting Systems, posted a “Fact Sheet” about the magazine ban, which included a depiction of the state flag with dictatorial overtones.
One activist member of the Legislative Action Group posted this message:
“The only group that can help us and that definitely will help us is the Second Amendment Foundation,” wrote Perry Singh. “They are responsible for all the lawsuits that are successful. We have a US Supreme Court that will side with us. We just need an organization that is serious about bringing lawsuits and there is no organization more serious than the Second Amendment Foundation. If you are not a member you need to join. These guys fund lawsuits and they’re really good at winning. No you won’t get a free duffel bag or a free hat but they will deliver us victories in court that we need badly.”
Another gun rights activist, Ron Fricks, responded with his own observation: “There are a lot of good organizations that support 2A rights. Perry is correct however, the Second Amendment Foundation is the best. They often work in the background, they may not get the press, but they are there getting stuff done. It is better to donate a dollar to them, then to post a million “we will not comply” post on facebook. There are over 600,000 permit holders in WA state. If each of them sent $1, or even better $10 per month to the organization of their choice, it would make a difference. Talk or act, the choice is yours.”
By no small coincidence, just hours before the House vote, SAF on Friday announced the launch of a national outreach effort to remind America’s gun owners that “Gun Rights Depend On You.”
SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb estimated the message—which is already appearing online at the Washington Times, Breitbart, TownHall, Newsmax, BearingArms and Drudge—will reach millions of people. SAF tells gun owners to “Demand the Courts Protect the 2A.”
“It would be a significant step forward in our ongoing outreach effort to educate gun owners that the defense of their constitutional right to keep and bear arms ultimately rests in their hands,” Gottlieb said. “Right now, we have more than 30 active court cases challenging various gun control laws on Second Amendment grounds, in several states, including California, Washington, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. It is our intention to raise public awareness and grab the attention of various courts so these cases don’t end up gathering dust in some perpetual state of ‘pending’ action.”
A federal case challenging a similar ban in California is already seeking review from the U.S. Supreme Court. Nine states and Washington, D.C. have imposed such bans.
According to the Daily Olympian, violations of the new law “would result in a gross misdemeanor, which carries a maximum punishment of 364 days in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000.”
Gun owner reaction over the weekend was nothing short of fury. One gun owner posting at the Legislative Action Facebook page stated, “Today our legislature chose the anti-human rights lobby over public safety. Quit calling them antigun groups. Being able to possess a weapon to defend oneself from criminals and tyrants is a human right.”
Another observed, “This new law shows the depth of stupidity in Olympia. They think that some person hell-bent on killing people will suddenly follow the law because they could get a misdemeanor charge for magazine capacity. That’s insanity.”
Now, Evergreen State gun owners are saying the only cure for such “insanity” will be taking the House, and maybe the State Senate, away from Democrats this fall. How well that effort does will depend upon whether the anger now being expressed translates into voter turnout in vulnerable legislative districts this fall.
Electable candidates must be recruited, campaigns must be formed and financed, and gun owners will have to register and vote, and all of that involves more than—as Fricks noted above—posting a million “we will not comply” messages on social media.
Gun owners in Virginia did it last November when nobody expected they would. Now it’s Washington’s turn.