[quote=@HeySeuss]
<Snipped quote by TomeBinder>

Actually, I find the SMLE to be well balanced, good trigger and an excellent bolt. The recoil is actually quite gentle for a full sized rifle firing a full sized cartridge, and I have a Swiss K-31, Russian 1891/30, and Springfield 1903 to compare that to; working on getting a Yugoslavian M48 as well. I own the No.1 Mk III SMLE and the Enfield No. 4 Mk. II.
[/quote]

The oldest rifle I fired was my buddy's 30-40 Krag. It was also the hardest-kicking weapon I've ever had the pleasure of subjecting my shoulder to. The bolt cycles beautifully, but oh man...It's like offering up your arm to an unhappy mule.