Had a chance to shoot both a Ruger Haykeye and a Browning Stainless Stalker today both in 7mm Rem Mag.
There was a BIG difference in felt recoil shooting the same ammo.

The Ruger felt like a sharp "jab" where the Browning felt like a little push. I've shot LOT'S of 7mm Rem Mags, and I've never had one that was so pleasant to shoot! I think I could have spent the whole day at the range shooting and not feel any ill effects.

Now why in the world was there THAT much difference between the two rifles????

The Ruger was a stainless/laminate and actually weighed more than the Browning. Both had the factory recoil pads on them and we shot nothing but 150gr. Federal Fusions for comparison.

Both rifles fit me very well.......just shocked at how much difference me AND my buddy both felt between the 2 rifles.

Any ideas folks???