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The recoil isn't too bad, no worse than it's larger counterparts, but shoot enough and of coarse you'll get a sore shoulder. If you want to mitigate felt recoil you can always get a recoil pad (or just bunch up your shirt and put it in between the stock and your shoulder). Couldn't tell you if a woman can shoot this without knowing the woman, some guys can't shoot it. Best you check your local range(s) and see if you can rent one so you can test it out for yourself.

Angela, I am 65 and a lifelong shooter. 22lr to 50 BMG. I have shot the M1A SOCOM in 7.62. It will rattle your teeth and give you bruises. If your comfortable with a .308 rifle or 12 Ga shotgun you can handle this. I would not have a women shoot this unless she was military or really up to the challenge.

I am a 26 year old woman and I don't have trouble shooting larger caliber guns. My husband has a bunch of guns and I only get nervous with 300 win mags and 338 Lapua mag but I can handle them. The 7.62 is not bad at all even from a shorter gun.

Angela, recoil will be somewhat mitigated by the semi-auto operation but will be a bit stouter than a .223. It will get more manageable with practice and familiarization so don't let the recoil deter you.