I just picked up a BFR in .45-70. I have a fondness for this cartridge for some reason. Maybe because everything I've shot with it was pretty much history. This revolver looks like a bear and loading the cylinder the first time I thought "What did I get into?" But frankly, the recoil is not bad at all. I would estimate it is the same as a S&W 29, 4", 44 mag. After getting it sighted in, I went thru 2 boxes of ammo in no time. I say, if you want a BFR in 30-30, go get one. They are a blast. And accurate too.