I got to shoot a 375 JDJ for the first time yesterday. My fater in law bought a 14" un-breaked barrel for his contender and wanted my opinion on it. We were concerned with the recoil from the iron sighted barrel, mostly because of the light weight.
I was very surprised with what I found. The recoil was nothing to laugh at. It was harsh. What surprised me though, is that I felt very little difference in recoil between the 375 JDJ and my muzzle-braked .45-70 barrel when shooting them side by side.
I am wondering what everyone's opinons are on either porting or having a muzzle brake install on the 375 JDJ. How much difference will adding a scope make in the recoil? I was thinking that adding the extra weight of the scope will reduce recoil enough to make this a very manageable barrel.
I'm very interested in this barrel because if my father in law doesn't like it, I'm pretty sure I can trade my .45-70 barrel for it. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on this. Thanks.

The scope will help a lot with the recoil. Also, a set of Pachmyer grips was the ticket for my SSK .375JDJ 14" barrel. I have several big bores and after putting a scope and Pachs on my pistol it is one of my favorite. It shoots 225grn Hornady Flat Nose very well and it will be in the woods during gun season. I don't think it has any more recoil than my 45-70 14" w/break shooting 300grn JHP's.
Get some pachmyer grips and you will enjoy the barrel.
Mike

Everyone's recoil tolerance level varies, but I never saw a need for a brake when I had a .375 JDJ. Yes, the recoil is brisk, but it's not a caliber you'll be spending long bench sessions with anyway.Besides, I despise the noise of any braked gun.

Adding a scope will dampen the subjective recoil only slightly.