I suppose with a heavier gun and a lighter round the recoil would be less than one would think... which brings me tothe Encore .460 S&W with 15" barrel, this combo sounds intriguing. With the 200Gr or 250gr bullet I wonder what kinda recoil such a combo would have? I couldnt find any reviews of it in the encore, but some reviews of the 460 in the x-frame said it wasnt too bad for recoil. After researching the .460 and realizing its available in the Encore my interest has been renewed in a pistol that could possibly compete with a shotgun for deer taking capability. Free arm I would have to practice alot, but out of my stand (with a shooting rail) or with some shooting sticks, etc, I would think something like a 460 with sst's would have 100yrd range at the least, some have even claimed 200 yards but I dont even try that far with my smokepole.I figure 75% or so of all my deer are taken between 40-60 yards. Actaully in Ohio I think I have only taken 1 deer over that, pobably 80 yards, though I have missed 1 longer shot but I have also missed a couple close range shots as well (runnin' deer).