First, it's not the semi-automatic part of that that has the effect. It's the large caliber of what was probably a hunting rifle - which is not generally a characteristic of the guns they are talking about.
That wouldn't happen with an AR-15...even for an average child of about 8. Drill Sergeants would demonstrate the lack of recoil by placing the butt of the weapon against their 'manhood' and firing it.
That's part of the silliness of the debate - is that people are being given the impression that they are talking about completely different items that what the banners are attempting to legislate. As I noted, an AR-15 is a light-rifle.
It was a Black AR-15... that is what they called it....I’m a female 5’2 about 110 and never fired a gun before..so it kicked pretty hard for me....and was loud!. I remember it well and wouldn’t shoot it again!...
I watched others fire it though....along with other guns they had there. It was interesting... I am of course not a gun enthusiast....but I do understand why many are and respect that.
Growing up our family belonged to a Hunting club....I recall the guns firing but kids were always kept at camp for the most part, not in the fields, so I wasn’t close enough to be acquainted with the use of them.