Shot my PSL for the first time today

I'm thinking I should have started with something smaller. This is the first rifle I've ever shot (I've shot handguns exclusively for 11 years now)

Man, does this thing kick! I do understand a few things now

The rubber scope cover is a nice eye saver.

Sighting in the scope would have been much easier with a nice set of binoculars.

It feeds and shoots Yugoslavian and Bulgarian ammo fine. After a handful of Bulgarian rounds went off, I turned to my friend and remarked that it smelled like my cat's litter box when it needs a full changing.

His remark- "That, son is the smell of Communism". I laughed and pointed at his AK clone.

Anybody have some solutions for the shoulder bruising?

centerfire has a butpad for $10,great investment.make sure you clean the rifle with hot soapy water.pour it down the barrel,wash out the gas port and wash bolt carrier.then clean and oil.surplus ammo is corrosive.it is not a big deal if you clean your weapon this way as soon as you get home.here you go.
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/PADAKA02.aspx

Make sure you put the buttstock firmly against your shoulder while shooting it makes a big difference. I think the recoil is fairly light on the PSL. Try shooting a 12 ga. pump or a high powered bolt action rifle then go shoot your PSL and you will appreciate how little recoil it has.

As far as rifles in that caliber range, I don't know of anything softer shooting. It's not a bad place to start. The first centerfire rifle I fired was an M16A2.

That buttpad mentioned will make it truly pleasant to shoot, and should correct the slightly short length of pull.

Enjoy the rifle. It's been the funnest of anything I currently own or have fired, and more accurate than it should be given it's construction and lineage.

Make sure you put the buttstock firmly against your shoulder while shooting it makes a big difference. I think the recoil is fairly light on the PSL. Try shooting a 12 ga. pump or a high powered bolt action rifle then go shoot your PSL and you will appreciate how little recoil it has.
Right on, I think the psl is easier on my shoulder than my sks even. That thing barely kicks at all compared to any similar cartridge I've shot. Just make sure that thing is tight on your shoulder before you fire, and you will hopefully get used to it pretty quick. Unlike you, I've shot rifles exclusively my whole life, and never shot or been especially interested in handguns till recently.

The PSL rifle is great fun.Enjoy! :D

As noted by others, the PSL has a very soft recoil for the power of it's cartridge. 4-5 rounds through my Mk X 30-06, my Model 94 30-30 and I notice it. 20-30 through my PSL and I could keep on for at least that many more. About the only thing comparable is my MAK-90 in 7.62x39 with its 3/4 inch rubber butt pad.

Again, try holding it tight to your shoulder when you shoot. The rifle does move with the recoil and if you are holding it loosely that is probably where you are getting bruised.

I actually recommended a PSL to a hunter I did a lot survey for. She noted that her 30-06 was leaving her too beat up after hunting and that she was considering giving up the sport. Considering that she is about 5-4 and 120-130 pounds she might not care for the extra weight of the PSL (I'd guess around 5 pounds), the recoil effects would be a lot easier on her.

centerfire has a butpad for $10,great investment.make sure you clean the rifle with hot soapy water.pour it down the barrel,wash out the gas port and wash bolt carrier.then clean and oil.surplus ammo is corrosive.it is not a big deal if you clean your weapon this way as soon as you get home.here you go.
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/PADAKA02.aspx

i picked up one of these...and it made such a difference. the rifle is 1000x more pleasureable to shoot.