I hunt with a remington 1100 20 gauge and love it. I have added a hastings barrel with the cantilever scope mount. I have harvested deer at 125 yds. with this gun. Its a great gun that doesn't kick anywhere near my brothers 12 gauge bolt action.
Marlins 1894c in 357 mag has no real recoil (shout handloads in my 1894 44 mag do have recoil) and if shots were under 75 yards this would be near perfect if no recoil is what is needed. The 44 mag has minor recoil with factory ammo. My 265 grain pill with little gun or h110 will put a little more recoil into the mix of a 6.5 pound gun.
At this point I'm leaning toward the .44 mag. Marlin, Ruger or Handi-Rifle. My muzzleloader is a NEF Huntsman. The H&R/NEF guns are a LOT of bang for the buck IMO. Thanks sll.
I have always thought that the 12 ga. slug was too much gun in terms of recoil and meat damage. I prefer to use the least that I need. This year I got my deer with a Puma 92 in .357mag. The deer ran about 15 seconds and dropped dead. The recoil reminds me of shooting a .22 magnum and this is with my hot reloads in it. If you want to go really light in recoil, I suggest a .357 mag rifle, the other suggestions are very good also at reducing recoil and giving you great performance in hunting.
H&R 12ga. slug gun no doubt. Rifled slugs dead on out to at least 75. Used a buddy's last year and got my first dear from a very small archery stand with no harness (stupid i know). He had a Harris bi-pod and nice scope on it. Very little kick with the heavy barrel. I would have blown myself out of the stand with a light gun.
At this point I'm leaning toward the .44 mag. Marlin, Ruger or Handi-Rifle. My muzzleloader is a NEF Huntsman. The H&R/NEF guns are a LOT of bang for the buck IMO. Thanks sll.
Hello J4Me, I think you are leaning in the right direction! A 44mag Rifle will do what you are looking for. The 44 will have more energy and do a better job then a .357 but you still have to do your part when you squeeze the trigger! They will both do the job that you want to do though.
Have fun looking for a new toy!!! I mean Rifle!