quote:

Originally posted by Alberta Canuck:
Let me start by saying this is just my opinion, not etched in stone facts....

I personally think the Marlin kicks less with the same ammo in most cases for two reasons...it usually has a pistol grip stock and a semi-beaver-tail forend. At least, the forend is usually fatter on modern Marlins than on the traditional Winchesters.

Both of those give the shooter's hands more to hang onto, and spread the recoil over more area.

Also, Marlins are more likely to be scoped than the traditional Winchesters were. That tends to cause the shooter to hold his head up more, which also helps lighten the perception of recoil for many people. An erect, natural, stance frequently produces less felt recoil than a position where one is hunched over trying to look through open iron sights.

But, of course, as people are built differently and therefore are better fitted by different stocks and sights. perceptions DO vary.

In my own instance, I have noticed little or no difference in the recoil of factory ammo in either the .30-30 or the .35 Remington. The .35 Remington cartridge does push a little heavier bullets and recoil would logically therefore be a tad more.

But in actual fact, at the velocities actually achieved by that .35 round, the recoil MIGHT be a little bit less. Anyway, I have noticed no particular difference.

Though it isn't traditional in appearance, if the recoil is more than you want to put up with, you could always have a good recoil pad installed on either the Winchester or the Marlin.