Reducing Recoil

[Jerrek]

Ok so my daughters are getting bored with the bolt action .22 I got for them. The like shooting my AR but there little shoulders can't take the recoil for more that a few shots. I started looking into ways to reduce this for them besides the obvious ( recoil pad, towel on the shoulder etc ) but I am not too familiar with muzzle breaks or buffers. I found some buffers that have good reviews on spikes.com but there are 3 different weights am I to assume that a heavier weight = less recoil? What about breaks what should I look for there? Any help from seasoned AR owners would be appreciated.

 

[BGDave]

This may seem to easy but add weight to the rifle. If it's an A2 put bullets in the stock trap. A bipod will also help. Yes, I know the rifle will be heavier but it's a trade off. Might also invest in a Past recoil shield or similar.

 

[Jerrek]

This may seem to easy but add weight to the rifle. If it's an A2 put bullets in the stock trap. A bipod will also help. Yes, I know the rifle will be heavier but it's a trade off. Might also invest in a Past recoil shield or similar.[/QUOTE
At this point the weight of the rifle is not an issue they can't maintain holding it in the air anyway. They use a bi-pod now.

 

[Slow Hand]

Do you handload? If so, you can load some light loads with trailboss powder. They won't cycle the action but have very little recoil. Muzzle brakes can be very helpful at reducing recoil but are normally much louder and give a lot of blast. For a young shooter, the trade off may not be worth it. Best thing to do is get a silencer. Cuts noise, muzzle blast, and recoil! C'mon; do it for the kids!!

 

[ctbreitwieser]

I bet they would really enjoy a .22 upper or conversion

 

[mvician]

I bet they would really enjoy a .22 upper or conversion

^ this would be the best way to do it

 

[Jerrek]

I bet they would really enjoy a .22 upper or conversion

Oddly enough Their persistence about the gun is not the looks of it rather the novelty of shooting something "bigger". They are really starting to understand the size/power difference between calibers.

 

[K_W]

Nevermind, you said besides pads...

 

[peberly400]

Oddly enough Their persistence about the gun is not the looks of it rather the novelty of shooting something "bigger". They are really starting to understand the size/power difference between calibers.

Then think about picking a different gun all together. Maybe a 243 or 270 bolt action with a nice butt pad on it? Also gives a great excuse for another gun!

 

[hammer24]

I'd get a different rifle specifically for them. Stock fit is crucial to felt recoil. Noise and muzzle blast add to percieved recoil too, so make sure they have good ear protection.
1. stock that fits
2. low recoil caliber, handloading helps with this (My 7 yr. old son's "big" rifle is a .44 magnum handi rifle with pallet wood laminated stock cut down (heavy!) I download his hunting rounds to .44 spl +P velocities, and around 6-10 rds. is about all I'll let him shoot at one time.)
3. Good recoil pad (I like limbsavers)
4. Gun weight (the more the better as far as recoil)

 

[tdoom15]

I wouldn't change the buffer if your gun is running reliably.

My only other suggestion would be stance. Make sure they are leaning into the weapon and pulling it into their shoulder, this can eliminate that "kick" I see a lot of new female shooters get.