How much recoil does the PTR91 have?

[pointblank4445]

G3 recoil is very much dependent on the buffer in the stock (21E buffer is the best) and whether bolt gap is in spec. My HK91 had a 21E buffer and was very pleasant.

This...

The 21 buffer, MSG90 or the 2-stage heavy buffer makes a world of difference. As does the 21E clubfoot stock with its stout rubber buttpad...but the buttpad can be added to the regular G3/91 polymer stock as well I believe.

I'm also to understand that the Spuhr stock (while it looks out of place aesthetically) also helps by putting the recoil path in a straight line compared to the offset HK stock design that was a bi-product of how the Germans insisted on their sights.

[1168]

I shot a buddy's in probably 1977 brand new HK91 out of box. I had an HK41 then but had bought it used. no issues at all.

Word. I've only shot “broken in” ones. Interesting to know that the HK ones and PTR clones are different in that regard.

[freeride1]

You guys have my curiosity up. Has anybody here ever shot a brand new G3 or HK91? Looking at you, Steyraug.

It's the same deal with PTRs shoddy MP5 clones, they recommend a "break in," H&K doesn't and works out of the box. Now you hear a lot more ongoing issues with the 9mm PTRs because the brute force of a 7.62 is much more forgiving for a gun that is out of spec.

There's also the fact that a lot of guys who are reporting lower recoil also happen to be shooting German guns. Much less likely to have bolt gap issues and other problems.

[Ron3]

I reccomend the versions with the standard paddle mag release, normal (thinner) barrel profile, and welded optics rail.

I prefer the original steel lower, but that's personal preference, too.

[JoshNC]

You guys have my curiosity up. Has anybody here ever shot a brand new G3 or HK91? Looking at you, Steyraug.

Not brand new but my IB datecode 91 was pretty close to new when I bought it.

[MistWolf]

So I really really like the looks of the Century Arms C308, and in my research I discovered the PTR91 and read that it was a far better rifle.
The deeper I dig the more interested I get, but the one thing that bothers me is everyone says it has a lot of recoil, which is to be expected with a .308, but I read multiple times that it felt excessive to some people and as much of a punk as it might make me, I don't do well with lots of recoil. As in, I don't shoot my grandpas Mossberg 500 12GA that I inherited because I absolutely hate how much it kicks me around with anything but the lightest birdshot loads, but I love my dads S&W M&P Sport II, his Winchester 94, and my Mosin Nagant because I feel like I can handle the recoil of those rifles so much better than the shotgun.
So basically, I guess I'm asking if the recoil is more along the lines of a 12GA with 2 3/4 turkey loads or closer to an AR15?

A 9.7 lbs 308 Win rifle firing a 147 gr bullet @ 2700 fps generates 13 ft/lbs of free recoil.

An 8.0 lbs 12ga shotgun firing a 1 1/4 ounce payload @ 1220 fps generates 25 ft/lbs of free recoil.

A 7.0 lbs 243 Win rifle firing a 100 gr bullet @ 3000 fps generates 13 ft/lbs of free recoil.

A 7.0 lbs 5.56 rifle firing a 55 gr bullet @ 3000 fps generates 4 ft/lbs of free recoil.

[sig1473]

PTR is covering their ass.

These things have a very forceful action, when built right they shouldn't have any issue ejecting. Particularly in Semi. PTR is obviously doing something wrong.

I had 2 older PTR-91s and experienced many a FTE. I believe the faults were in the shallow flutes cut into their barrels. I don't know if they fixed it. I owned a pretty much brand new Greek SAR-8 that never had any of the before mentioned problems.

[Robertsk1]

I have a PTR 91 gi, bought it and had immediate issues. Sent it back the problem was fixed. PTR cs is fantastic. Since then ran about 700 rounds without issue.

The gun is fun to shoot, fits nicely with my m1a, fal, its interesting, something nice to have if you like collecting military rifles.

Its not my go to for anything serious however. Too clunky and out of date. But i will say the rifles dont need a break in, PTR just covering their asses. Buy a quality ar10 type rifle for serious use.

As to OPs question the recoil doesnt bother me at all, its not bad.

[popo22]

My experience is that my Marlin 336 in 30-30 has substantially more recoil than the PTR 91. I personally had no issues with my PTR 91, it's fun to shoot. It's about a 2-3" moa rifle.

[SteyrAUG]

You guys have my curiosity up. Has anybody here ever shot a brand new G3 or HK91? Looking at you, Steyraug.

I have shot a few HK91s right out of the box with zero issues. Break in periods are kind of bullshit. I bought a 91 and 93 the same day and it was probably 800 rounds later (each) before I cleaned them with zero issues. The ammo was some kind of VN Nato spec surplus that I bought ten cents a round.

Break in periods are for kit guns where the spring from this one and the bolt from that one are put together and this part may be brand new but that part may be from a rifle that saw 20 years of military service. Special Weapons started the whole "break in" period for a NEW gun so that should tell you all you need to know.

Unless you are talking about a precision rifle where you are doing a barrel seasoning process it isn't necessary.