RE: 12 ga. vs 30.06 recoil ??
 

two different recoils. I find that i can shoot a 12 ga alot longer then my 30.06. the 06 is a much sharper recoil where my 12 ga is more of a push type recoil. Just get a good recoil pad, problem solved. i padded my new 30.06 with a packmyr (spelling) and now percieved recoil is less then my 7mm-08 without a pad.

RE: 12 ga. vs 30.06 recoil ??
 

Yes, the felt recoil on my 300WM is noticably less than my 12 ga. The "drop" on a shotgun stock increases the felt recoil over a straight stock on a rifle. You are also launching a 385 gr slug versus only a 180 gr bullet. All I know for sure is my shoulder likes my 30-06 and 300WM far better than that stupid slug thrower. From a comparison standpoint, I have read several times that a slug gun recoil is most similar to a 338WM. I would believe that all day long based on my personal experience with the 30 caliber guns.

RE: 12 ga. vs 30.06 recoil ??
 

I agree with BigBulls - there is no comparison between a 3.5" mag. turkey load and a 30.06. Those turkey shells will straight up knock you out.

After "adjusting" to the punishment doled out by my turkey rig, shooting my deer rifles (.300 mag) is a picnic.

That said, I'd say a light target/clay 12 ga. load would recoil about the same as a 30.06.

If you think the Ought Six is rough, stay away from the heavy turkey loads. They're a good bit worse than a .375 H&H.

Matter of fact, I have a 10 gauge, chambered for 3.5" mag, and I think my 12 kicks a lot harder, due to the discrepancy in weight between the two. (10 gauge is HEAVY - and doesn't jump as hard).