I don't know if this will help or not. I'm not sure if you have shot anything by your post but here goes. The recoil will depend on the weight of the rifle, weight of the bullet, but over all somewhere a little bit more that a 30-30. With 110-130 grain bullet it will do ok for varmits, with in a reasonably range will work on white tails and even black bears. I don't think I would want to use itfor elk or moose. I hope this helps