Recoil on an 06

[RodR]

I've recently retired and been away from any big game hunting for 30 years. Bought a Weatherby 06 and spend some time sighting in and general practice... I'm coming to the realization I'm not the young man I was, after about 50 rounds, I could barely handle the recoil (and a lingering shoulder ache for last two days). I'm wondering about some of the recoil suppression options. Any suggestions or guidance, I'm have a hard time managing my flinch now.

Any thoughts?  off in about 3 weeks for a bear hunt and would like to be more comfortable with my gun.

Thanks ...appreciate any thoughts, other than hang it up old man!

[jrebel]

Does it have a threaded barrel?  If so, I would get a muzzle break.

[JimmyHoffa]

What weight bullet?

[Bob33]

50 rounds is quite a bit. You might try shooting a light bullet weight: 165 grains instead of 180, 150 instead of 165 etc. Also consider limiting your practice sessions to fewer rounds.

[Ridgeratt]

Why were you compelled to shoot 50+ rounds.
You can ease into your practice.

[jay.sharkbait]

Less is more.

I did shoot a CMP match with a 1903. I was a mess at the end of it.

Don’t feel bad and definitely don’t hang it up!

[Alchase]

As Jrebel says
A muzzle break will reduce recoil, but at the cost of your hearing, LOL

Seriously they do help, just know, no one will love you at the range.

If a Weatherby 30.06 (very decent rifles) is giving you recoil issues, it might be time to look to a .243 or similar round.

PS: 50 rounds out of a hunting rifle is a lot to handle in one range visit.

[rtspring]

Shoot a .300 Rum 50 times and you will enjoy going back to an 06   

[jay.sharkbait]

Shoot a .300 Rum 50 times and you will enjoy going back to an 06   

Or even an early .300 WM Sendero.

[Dan-o]

I don't enjoy shooting more than about 20 out of my 7MM Mag.

I've take to shooting a lot more 223 and 6.5 Grendel - both of which you can shoot all day.

There's something to be said for being familiar with your rifle, but developing a flinch is no good.

If you can afford to, I'd consider getting a very mild recoiling rifle for most practice.

[Igor]

When shooting at the range I take a kid's soccer shin guard (the foam pad kind) and put it inside my long-sleeved shirt as a kind of recoil pad.  I use a safety pin to hold it in place.

First of all, nobody can see it and call you a "pansy".  It is totally invisible to the casual observer.

Secondly, it will soak up virtually all of the recoil of an '06.........I use it when shooting my .300 Win Mag.

Thirdly, I would advise against practicing with other guns because they have "less recoil".  Practice with the gun that you will be hunting with.

I have been using this technique for many, many years.  It will make range-time almost enjoyable......trust me.

[Platensek-po]

A wise man once told me to shoot more often not to shoot more. When your hunting you will never be firing 50 rounds. Or at least I hope not. Go shoot a couple groups then go again the next day. Spend more time on each round controlling your breathing, steadying yourself and being more aware of how you shoot. Get a routine for each shot so that you are more consistent. Practice shooting more rounds with a lighter caliber and work on the same things as when shooting your hunting rifle.

[Skillet]

  to all the above.

I usually bring a .22 to the range to shoot between my 30-06 groups. Helps with trigger control, breathing exercises, not developing a flinch, and lets the barrel cool.  No point in practicing with a hot barrel if your groups move at all because of it.  I've had a few guns with thin barrels that started walking all over when they heated up.

[jasonstevens]

If you can find it you can buy reduced recoil ammo. That might help if you want to.

[mtnhntr]

I used an 06 for many years and as I grew older the recoil was not fun on the range like you have experienced. Don't notice it in the field though. I switched to a 7mm-08 and that is my go to rifle for deer size animals. Can't tell the difference in killing power. Still have the 06, but it is pretty much a safe queen. I would suggest you try a smaller caliber and see how you like it.