Recoil Managment

[Robespierre]

I have a question about the way most bolt guns are designed... or at least what looks to be the case.

Since recoil is generated by forcing the round downrange an equal force must be exerted backward. Since most rifles have the barrel's axis elevated above the shooter's shoulder the force of recoil creates a measure of muzzle climb.

That said, my actual question is this: Why don't more rifles align the barrel and shoulder directly. For example, the Barrett MRAD. It seems like that would make recoil more manageable.

 

[Penguin156]

Re: Recoil Managment

Ergonomics

 

[Robespierre]

Re: Recoil Managment

If it was just ergonomics (I'm assuming it has to do with the scope/stock weld) then why not just elevate the scope?

 

[predatornut]

Re: Recoil Managment

Even my ar15 has some muzzle climb under recoil and that is about as inline as it gets. I think it has a lot to do with the ergonomics of holding the rifle, but I am no expert. Raising the scope raises some (not serious) issues, it is best to have the scope as close to the bore line as possible.

 

[Robespierre]

Re: Recoil Managment

The muzzle climb of an autoloader is due in part to the bolt carrier being slightly higher than the barrel. Also recoil springs and whatnot.

 

[Robespierre]

Re: Recoil Managment

Shameless bump. I feel like there is a better answer out there.

 

[Penguin156]

Re: Recoil Managment

I don't know, on all of my AR's the bolt seems barrel seems concentric to the bolt which seems concentric to the bolt carrier, which seems concentric to the buffer/buffer tube/buffer spring (or recoil spring as you called it).