My next rifle purchase will be either the Ruger Gunsite scout rifle or the Ruger SR762. I haven't shot a 7.62mm rifle but I'm leaning toward the SR762 due to the advantages I've listed even though it's twice the price. Can anybody give me a recoil comparison in break or pump action shotguns to a .308 bolt action?

A standard 308 bolt action hunting rifle is about half the felt recoil of a solid pump 12 gauge shooting 3" hunting loads. At least it is on my frame.

The recoil characteristics differ. The recoil of the shotgun increases slowly to the peak. The recoil of the .308 bolt action develops faster and is more pronounced. I´d join benjammin´s rating. I rate it roughly at half or a little less. The .308 was an old Steyr SSG and my 12 ga shotgun is an over and under shotgun made by Mauser. The shotgun is a light weight hunting model.

Thanks! That puts it in perfect perspective for me. My 12ga is a Mossberg pump w/ turkey length barrel. Acceptable hunting recoil but more than an afternoon at the range.

Edit:
PS That's for anything except birds or skeet.

Max.. if they shoot multi gun (3 gun) in Germany, you might give it a try.. a fun all around shooting competition

If I find a range in a reasonable distance, I might give it a try. Unfortunately there are so many shooting activities that promise to be fun and so little time for it. I started shooting muzzle loaders this year and already promised some shooting pals to join them for a safety course for SASS.

My next gun will be a Beretta CX4 Carbine since it's already on layaway, but my next planned purchase is an EBR, probably a Daniel Defense.