Try this shoot about 10rds through the rifle. Then turn away and have your buddy either load or don't load a round into the rifle. If you click on a empty chamber and flinch then maybe its too much. But I would say if your groups are 1 to 1 1/2 inches at a hundred yards then the rifle is probally in your class of recoil tolerance. I myself have learned recoil doesn't make me move on the bench as much as the nose of the blast. Earmuffs for me atleast while at the range.