First off, I want to thank all for the posts. I am doing a trigger job tomorrow. One question is why shorten the spring by a curl?
As far as recoil goes..... Well, I hunt in Mississippi and we can use the handi 45-70 in lieu of blackpowder. Since I will NOT be still hunting with this thing, I added bullet lead fishing weights and some wood glue to keep them from rattling ( I found even large shot rattled too much for my taste). On course I made sure the butt screw was secure beforehand. I have a 1.5x6x40 KAHLES variable on top and the unloaded weight is 12.2lbs. With a neoprene anti-slip sling, carrying to the stand is not tiresome either.
The felt recoil is reduced (IMO) to a light 270.. Not bad using a 45-70. In the stand, I am able to have a nice arm of weight which helps balance out the front end weight of the heavy barrel.
The only thing I plan on doing to it is buy a hammer extension (I am a leftie) and free float the fore end piece.
I buy custom ammo from Conley Precision Cartridge Co out of Como, MS. They do mail order for all. I am using a 250gr Barnes TSX FN. I am easily good to 250yds. Ammo runs about 47$ for 20, and since I only hunt with it, it is a deal to me since I do not handload.
Again, it all who have posted, thanks for the help/info. Any thoughts??