[rlmorel]

I’m told the Springfield has a far more abrupt and powerful kick...

[2111USMC]

Yep. That’s because the Springfield is a bolt action. There is no bolt return spring to absorb recoil.

[imardmd1]

I didn’t find that so. The most powerful kick from a .30-06 that I ever experienced was with a Garand M1 NM Match rifle owned by a local gun club. It had been glass-bedded for accuracy. And, boy, it was accurate! I had not fired an M1 for 30 years, but was permitted to use this in a DCM shoot for qualification to buy my M1. Actually I came in third out of a group of 20 fellow competitors, some of them regular shooters of that club. At the time I used the M1903, I was carrying the M1 as an infantryman. The M1903 was a sweet shooter.

[awelliott]

I’m told the Springfield has a far more abrupt and powerful kick...

I have one of each and can vouch for that. My right shoulder has been surgically repaired, and the 03 gets uncomfortable after about 3 magazines.

[Farmer Dean]

I have an 03A3,and yes it does have more felt recoil.But still it’s not objectionable.The M1 is smooth,and the M1A1 is even better.