I don't like tables because the data can be portrayed so out of context that it is pretty irrelevant.
Here is the 3rd paragraph from that page:
It is worth remembering that the majority of authorities agree that recoil of over twenty foot pounds will cause most shooters to develop a serous flinch, which is ruinous to bullet placement (the prime component of killing power). Fifteen foot pounds is probably about the maximum recoil energy most shooters feel reasonably comfortable with, particularly at the shooting range, where most serious marksmanship practice occurs.
Yet, here is another table written by the same gent, but for shotguns:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/shotgun_recoil_table.htm
I've taken the liberty of pasting it here:
Gauge, length (oz. shot@MV) Gun weight (lbs.) Recoil energy (ft. lbs.)
.410 bore, 2.5" (1/2 at 1200) 5.5 7.1
.410 bore, 3" (11/16 at 1135) 5.5 10.5
28 gauge, 2.75" (3/4 at 1200) 6.0 12.8
20 gauge, 2.75" (7/8 at 1200) 6.5 16.1
20 gauge, 2.75" (1 at 1220) 6.5 21.0
20 gauge, 2.75" (1 1/8 at 1175) 6.5 25.0
20 gauge, 3" (1 1/4 at 1185) 6.5 31.0
16 gauge, 2.75" (1 at 1220) 7.0 21.5
16 gauge, 2.75" (1 1/8 at 1240) 7.0 27.6
12 gauge, 2.75" (1 at 1180) 7.5 17.3
12 gauge, 2.75" (1 1/8 at 1200) 7.5 23.0
12 gauge, 2.75" (1 1/4 at 1330) 7.5 32.0
12 gauge, 2.75" (1 1/2 at 1260) 7.5 45.0
12 gauge, 3" (1 5/8 at 1280) 7.5 52.0
12 gauge, 3" (1 7/8 at 1210) 8.75 54.0
10 gauge, 3.5" (2 1/4 at 1210) 10.5 62.9
As you can see, the 12 gauge
starts at 17 ft lbs. My point is that if you can shoot a 12 gauge you should not be afraid to properly shoot any gun, and try to take many of these tables with an awareness of that.
(I'll not go into how fit of the stock and weight of the gun makes a huge difference, as does the shooters hold or position)
-- Sat Feb 06, 2010 11:08 am --
Well shoot, spent a few minutes trying to get the table to look nice and formatted but it doesn't get accepted that way, apologies to all.