45-70 Recoil Level in G2 & Encore ?

[Bob96]

  Using factory loads and cowboy type lower power how bad is the recoil on these?  Somewhere I read that the factory 300gr loads are sharper in recoil and the 405gr more of a slower push?  The G2 offers a 14" brl with muzzle tamer and the Encore a 15" brl w/o tamer. How would they compare in recoil level? The G2 is lighter but has the tamer. The Encore has more weight but no brake. Just wondering if using the mildest factory stuff will the gun - fly out of my hand - hit me in the forehead - break my wist?  I watched the 600 Nitro video and now I am scared of getting a large bore like the 45/70. Always wanted a Contender type pistol in this caliber but have no idea how painfull that it is to shoot?   The longer the barrel the higher the fps so I would guess recoil would increase with barrel length as you went from say a 10" - 12" -15"?  Also how load is the 45-70 compared to other calibers?

[huntnut]

I had a 45-70 w/factory ported 15" barrel I was loading 300gr JHP and 405gr lead flat noise. I loaded the 300gr fairly stout, (mid-hot lever action loads) and I had to problems with then, in the recoil department. The only this I had problems with is on the encore the frame is bigger and the square corners of the fame by the trigger would cut my finger is I didn't wear gloves. I sold this gun to get a new toy buy I'm looking for another one just because it was so much fun to shoot. So if your going to use factory loads you aren't going to have any problems.

[Redhawk1]

I have had 2 of the 45-70 in the Contender and 1 in the Encore. The factory loads are stout in the Contender, but manageable in my opinion. I shot some heavy loaded 45-70 rounds in my Encore barrel without any problems, by the way, neither had a muzzle tamer. 

[chazgin]

I can only give you my opinion on a Contender with a 14" SSK with JD's Arrestor brake. The factory or Trapdoor level loads are not punishing, actually they seem less then a 445 Supermag. As you step up (according to JD's loading sheet he sends out with barrel) the recoil becomes intense. The 400's at 1400 fps + are very sharp and will get your attention!. The Arrestor minimizes barrel flip and sends the pistol straight back into your hand which miinimizes the effect, but still noticeable. The higher loading sheared the factory grip screw and I had to get a replacement from JD. He said the  factory grip screw was "potmetal", since then no problems. I cannot imagine going much higher than factory level loads without a brake. I also suspect that the heavy loads will stretch the frame and only go to that level for elk season. This barrel also has SSK's TSOB mount with a 2X Leupold and this has held up with no problems to date (10 years)

[Ken ONeill]

Bob,
Mild Trapdoor Springfield loads like factory Remington or Winchester 405 gr. will not be abusive in either gun. Factory Remington runs 1110 fps from my 12" barrel Hunter Contender barrel. Load a 400 Speer to 1350 or more fps, and it's a bear.The same heavier load in my 6 1/2" gun is unmanageable.
As to whether a Contender is better or worse than an Encore for felt recoil, I'd say that generally the extra weight of an Encore helps greatly to moderate the felt recoil. However, if your fingers are short, it may be necessary for you to reposition your hand in such a way on the Encore ( to reach the trigger), that recoil is driven more into the first joint of your thumb, thereby increasing the pain on heavier loads.
I  agree that a T'SOB and a Leupold are the way to go.