I recently shot my Bond Deer Slayer for the first time and I have to tell you, I was nervous about the recoil from two guns that are of a gauge and caliber that I have shied away from. my “go to” pistols are a .380 Bersa and .22 LR Walther. I traded in a Taurus “break-barrel” .22 for credit for my Deer Slayer. My shotguns are all 20 gauge. I’m an old, little guy but, despite my concerns, I could control the recoil from the .45 and 410 very easily. The gun feels great in my hand, is easy to shoot with and clean, and my shooting friends have been impressed.