Loaded with factory loads which are kept down to levels safe in the older rifles, the kick would be much like the factory 180 grain 30-06. Loaded up to levels listed for the Marlin in the reloading manuls, the kick would about equal a 300 Win Mag. The cowboy model is fairly heavy which would help some. I have not owned the coboy model but I have had a couple of the 22 inch 1895 models. In hunting the recoil would hardly be a problem but a long session at the bench will get your attention. I also have the NEF and Encore in 45-70. I love the caliiber. For hunting out to 150-200 yards its a good choice for most North American game. Loaded with the Garret reloads its capable of hunting everything this planet has to offer.