Looks like lots of conflicting info here...

My dad has an old .3006 bolt action that kicks about as powerfully as any gun I'd ever want to shoot. I don't want one that will be that bad.

I did know that gun weight and bullet weight affected the recoil, but there really seems to be some difference in opinion.

I wonder if it feels different in a bolt vs a semi-auto. What do you think?

Keep 'em all in the Bull.

Bulzeye, again I ask which 7.62 did you shoot? The 308 Win is nothing to worry about recoil wise. My 10 year old daughter shoots one. Semiautos tend to have less recoil than a bolt or any other solid action rifle.

To those who took my post seriously, I was joking about the 308 kicking like a 22. I was just trying to say, its nothing to worry about unless you are under 12 or so. As far as it kicking like a 3" 12GA, that must be one light gun, maybe a model 7 or superlight titanium. Maybe a contender or something. Even my 300RUM don't kick much harder than a 3" mag 12GA.

The .308's recoil is lighter than the 30-06. I shoot a 30-06 also. Trust those of us who shoot .308's.

Frizellr:
I shot an AK47, but I don't know which type it was.

That would be a 7.62X39mm.

I've shot several 308's. And shooting the same ammo, (Federal 150 gr. SP) recoil varies with different guns. My Savage 110 has a pretty good bite if your not holding on good. My brothers Browning Lever Action Rifle feels harder because he has a solid plastic recoil pad. My dad's Weatherby has a nice thick pad and you dont notice the recoil. It depends on the rifle, load and type of pad. I like this soft pad its real thick, I think its made by Hunter or something like that.

I have a browning lever that tips the scale just under 6.75 and id say its about like my 06 weighing 7.5 lbs

"weight plays a big role on recoil."

That it does...it is just as important to the recoil equation as projectile weight and velocity.

A 10 lb rifle kicks with 33% less thrust than a 7.5 lb weapon, given equal chamberings, I believe...

I've always loved the looks of the AR-10, which I think is the AR-15 chambered in .308.
I've heard that the M1's a favorite too.

Thanks again for the continued input.

MIKE BELL:
Thanks for the recoil pad tip.

Keep 'em all in the Bull.