Shooter's Toolbox

InteractiveThe History of Firearms-- 800 years from fire lances to 3D-printed receivers

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Recoil Compare—Compare felt recoil across calibers and platforms

Recoil Comparison

Ruger 10/22(.22 LR)

0.2 ft-lbs

Weight: 5.0 lbsMuzzle: 140 ft-lbs1,260 fps / 40gr

Virtually zero recoil — perfect starter

AR-15(.223 Rem)

3.8 ft-lbs

Weight: 7.0 lbsMuzzle: 1,282 ft-lbs3,240 fps / 55gr

Glock 19(9mm)

5.2 ft-lbs

Weight: 1.5 lbsMuzzle: 364 ft-lbs1,150 fps / 124gr

1911(.45 ACP)

7.1 ft-lbs

Weight: 2.4 lbsMuzzle: 411 ft-lbs850 fps / 230gr

Bolt Action(.308 Win)

15.8 ft-lbs

Weight: 8.0 lbsMuzzle: 2,648 ft-lbs2,820 fps / 150gr

Field Shotgun(12ga (2.75"))

23 ft-lbs

Weight: 7.5 lbsMuzzle: 2,790 ft-lbs1,290 fps / 437gr

1-1/8 oz shot load

An AR-15 in .223 produces less felt recoil than a 9mm handgun — the rifle's weight absorbs the energy. Heavier guns = less felt recoil. Great for new shooters who want something manageable.

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