Hi all. I'm new to the forums here, and I just wanted to share a collarbone breaker that Grandma, (me mum), bought me for Christmas. It weighs 7 lbs. 2 oz. Ouch!!! I've got ammo, but don't know if I dare shoot it. I've never even shot an .06 yet. Maybe a new pad is in order...any recommendations? Thanks in advance. Great site you all have here! Sorry, the big pic won't load...it's too big. I'll work on that.

-Jeff in MN

Shoot some smaller calibers first or at least shoot that one standing up.

............There are several ways to reduce the felt recoil or you can do all of them.

1)...You can buy a padded shooting vest. I`ve seen videos where Boddington himself was wearing one. He was bench firing a 375 Ruger on the range.

2)...Get a Limbsaver slip on recoil pad. You will have the versatility when you`re wearing thicker clothing to either remove it, or keeping it on when wearing thinner clothing. I use one myself. I can adjust my LOP longer or shorter within 3 seconds.

3)...You can get a lead sled and skip the above two. But imo, it is better to get use to or adjust to the rifle`s recoil, tackle the problem of harsher recoil, and get rid of any possible flinching, intimidation, to not only prepare yourself for your hunts, but to master that rifle on the bench too. Welcome to "recoil" boot camp! LOL!

4)...The animals you hunt may not require a 375, so you can sell that rifle or trade it for another rifle. Uh oh, it was a gift. As such, you may not want to hurt your mum and keep it.

I just got a M70 featherweight in '.06, so I'll start with that and maybe the Rem. reduced recoil loads and work my way up from there. I don't reload yet. Thanks for the tips!

Thanks bigsqueeze! I like the idea of the slip-on limbsaver, I'll check into one. I've got a new '.06 and will be getting a 7mm-08 compact soon, so I'll start with those. This gun being a gift, it is a lifetime keeper. People ask me what I'll shoot with it, and I tell 'em 'anything I want'. lol

Nice rifle ... but are you sure me mum loves you??? Is she on your life insureance?

.......That #1 is a real nice piece and certainly a keeper whether you shoot it or not. But ya gots to shoot it!!!! Remember too, that you don`t need to go to Africa in order to own a 375. For bison, moose and the big bears, a 375 is about as ideal a caliber as you can get. A perfect balance between a 338 and the 416s and 458s.

Depending on who you talk with who has Limbsaver slip-on pad experience, they`ll tell you that the felt recoil will be reduced from 35% to 50%.

About $20 for the Limbsaver slip-on or similar pad, is a good investment for the shoulder.

What kinda compact rifles are you looking at??

I'm thinking of a Ruger M77 Hawkeye Compact in 7mm-08 with a small scope. Gun, scope & mounts will all be in matte. I'm seeing the rifle go for about $600 delivered. If I could afford it, I'd go for a Kimber 84M montana in 7mm-08 at 5 lbs. 2 oz. Not sure if they still make it, hard to find and pricey. I do like wood over synthetics and blue over stainless. I'll give up a few ounces for the wood. It'll be my everyday beater gun that I won't be hurt if it gets scratched or dinged a bit. Gotta draw the line somewhere right? LOL

I've never shot a deer from a benchrest, so I'm gonna try targets from natural rests, sling, prone, standing, kneeling, resting on my Bwana's head, etc. I'll be a tolerable shooter one day. LOL

If your interested, our local Wholesale Sports (the outfit that bought Sportsman's wharehous) has a M77 Hawkeye (I do not believe its a compact) in 7-08 for $447. I called and checked, they will ship to your FFL (pay them using a CC over the phone). It is the blue/wood model. This I think is the only one at that price I do believe.

Personally I think it is a sweet deal.

Their Phone number is (509)-736-2200.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the tip! That's a great price and I wouldn't mind chopping it up with the savings. I'm funny that way. Find something good and eff it up! Who hasn't? LOL