It depends on the ammo. to some degree. I have only shot 123 grain bullets out of my SKS, so I can't speak to the recoil of the 150 grain loads. On the other hand, heavy bullet loads in the .223 are about 70 grains and loaded to a considerably higher velocity. From a money standpoint, you could trick out an SKS with about every add-on designed for it and still not come close to the price of a new AR. This would make up for differences in stock design. though, since I use my SKS for bad weather deer hunting, the short stock is made up for by the added clothes. Recoil is just not a factor with either rifle, which is one of the reasons for their popularity. Of course, to my way of thinking, the way to go is to own one of each. and make your own comparisons. I just checked factory ballistics, and the comparison to the .30-30 is very appropriate, since all three cartridges operate at the same energy level, 1600 to 1900 foot-pounds at the muzzle. To me, felt recoil is heavier in a Winchester 94 than in a SKS or an AR, but that may just be the difference in lever action versus semi-auto.
