Its a blow back with a recoil spring in the stock. The alloy reciever ones are a little weak for the magnum 2.75" loads. I chipped the stock and broke a receiver pin shooting heavy loads in one. The stock has a lot of drop and the light gun will smack you on the cheek with heavy loads. My dad bought two twelve gauges new that everyone in the family used. We took a lot of rabbits, squirrels, doves, ducks, and quail. I can think of three bucks that my dad, brother and uncle shot using #4 buckshot in the modified choked barrels. They are relatively inexpensive in the gun traders guide. I would only buy one for nostalgia's sake but they make a good light bird gun.
