Rem 700 CDL - I'm a dumb arse

[Bushwack44]

The title is a little misleading (but I'm still a knucklehead).

16 months ago I bought my first rifle - a Rem 700 CDL in .270. Once it cleared DROS, I never got a chance to take it to the range (loong story for another time but a blessing in hindsight). The past few months I've had more leisure time and wanted to take the rifle out. But after reading a few threads on CG (and elsewhere), I realized I bought a rifle that may be more than I need (and too much to handle for a newbie).

So...I bought a 10/22 about 8 months ago. Plinked, plinked and more plinking (fun with 22lr!) About 2,000 rounds of CCI Velocitors and a big smile on my face. Then I bought an AR (MP-15) in 556. I'm ashamed it took me so long to get an AR. Great fun but I my heart is with bolt-action. Recently, I bought a rifle in 556/223. Took it to the range and enjoy everything about it. Recoil is minimal. This morning decided to try the Remy I bought 16 months ago for the first time.

Wholly crap! I knew the recoil would be more significant than a 556 but after just a few rounds I stopped. I couldn't control the rifle from rest as needed (recoil & flinching - flinching & recoil). Before I dare consider selling it (which I don't want to as I like everything else about the rifle...after only shooting six rounds), I was thinking of trying a Limbsaver Airtech recoil pad. YouTubers seem to like it but I have a bit more faith in my fellow CG's on their opinions.

They make several as ya'll know. I am considering one that's a slip on over the existing pad (vs replacing the existing pad). I know the slip on will add about 1/2" to the LOP + should absorb more recoil with the addition of the Remy pad.

I would like some advice whether to replace or slip on/over a new pad (I was considering this for a slip on - http://www.amazon.com/LimbSaver-AirT...-On+Recoil+Pad). Also, should I expect to notice a measurable reduction in recoil w/ the slip on? I'm not looking for recoil to disappear - just be manageable so I can get off more then six rounds at the range comfortably (and accurately) and not be sore the next day. As I may have stated, it is for fun time at the range only.

Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!



UPDATE: Posted final thoughts on post #66.

[7tonpei]

a muzzle brake will get the job done!

[silvertriple]

Recoil pad will help reduce felt recoil, but will add to your length of pull.

Have you considered a muzzle brake?

[Cody805]

First off if the recoil is too much for you from the bench I suggest STANDING UP and shooting off hand. Your body will absorb the recoil and it won't be as harsh. Don't be afraid of the recoil, it's just a rifle... Same as your AR

[baih777]

Go to the limbsaver website. They have actual direct fit replacements for a lot of rifles. I think it was the classic series and another one that is 1 inch thick.

[magnum8898]

On a side note, that is a nice looking Remington in a very useful caliber for North American game. I like the wood in the stock. Let me know if it doesn't work out for you.

[BadMatt]

I got the exact same rifle and, after a lifetime of shooting a 22, I had the exact same reaction. To get over flinching etc., I had the scope pushed forward and spent a day shooting cheap ammo I could find. I use it for hunting, so I I want a gun as powerful as a 30-06. But if it's just for planking and target shooting, maybe you should go for a lower caliber. Make sure your next gun does not have a detachable magazine or you may have a lot of trouble.

[Monster]

Muzzle breaks suck! especially on a hunting rifle. Eat some Wheaties or sell the rifle and get a 6mm or a 6.5 something.

[Bushwack44]

Thanks for the feedback but a muzzle brake is not an option. A 270 is loud enough. Muzzle brake might help with recoil but even with ear plugs & muffs, it will not make for a fun time at the range for myself or others nearby.

Cody - I did try standing. I felt sitting at rest was more manageable (and besides, that's how I'll shoot 99% of the time).

More interested in feedback regarding the Limbsaver.

[Monster]

Limbsaver's work well but they are soft and damage easily, I prefer Decelerator pads myself. There is also a brand called Kick eez.

http://www.pachmayr.com/home/prefit-pads.php

https://kickeezproducts.com/

[Shrubmaster]

That thing is purdy! I had a similar issue with my 3006 700. I did a slip on and it helped significanlty. When shooting hot stuff like superformance, I use a shoulder pad made for shotgun shooting. Much more enjoyable. I also got back in shape...

[jeremyro]

Recoil pad should set you straight. I was shooting my K98 and 91/30 this weekend and then started shooting my HK53 in 5.56. At first it felt like the HK was broken because the recoil was so light.

Recoil is just something you get used to.

[Sky_DiveR]

The rifle you have is a hunting rifle not a plinking rifle. You would normally only shoot the rifle for a few rounds (as in 3-5) to verify cold zero and then leave it til you have to kill something. If you want to shoot targets with that rifle, replace the barrel with a heavier profile (maybe with a brake), replace the stock with a McMillan or something similar (also heavier), and get a limbsaver (it will help tame the recoil even more). Now you have an ~11 or 12lb rifle (depending on the weight of your scope). That will tame down the recoil abit instead of getting beat up with a 7lb rifle. If not then don't shoot more than a few rounds at a time. Or sell it and buy a Remmy 5R or Varmint in 308 (with a limbsaver).

Btw, what you did was not dumb. It's more like, You don't know what you don't know til you try. Now you know.

[boiler1]

Hit the gym and work out those shoulders.



Man of few words

[Flouncer]

A 270 is loud enough. Muzzle brake might help with recoil but even with ear plugs & muffs, it will not make for a fun time at the range for myself or others nearby.

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