Recoil is subjective, so it is difficult to relate statistical results of my range time with the Benelli ComforTech stock. Benelli's website claims the stock brings the recoil of a .30-06 down to the level of a .243, but I would not go that far.

All the controls on the Benelli R1 are conveniently located, for right-hand shooters at least. A push-button safety and magazine release are built into the front of the triggerguard.

The stock certainly absorbs a considerable amount of the recoil, but the rifle still comes back at you with some force, as you would expect a high-powered rifle to do. But recoil velocity is reduced, as well as muzzle climb. You do not get the quick punch you would expect from a lightweight rifle in this caliber. Instead, it is more of a soft shove.

I shot the rifle a bit offhand, plinking at some gallon milk jugs at 100 yards, and found follow-up shots were quick and easy due to the reduced muzzle climb and excellent balance of the rifle. The stock fit me very well, and the forearm made for a secure forward grip. Benelli includes shims with each R1 so you can adjust the drop of the stock, but it suited me fine as is.

Recoil was more evident shooting off the bench, of course, but still softened noticeably at all contact points with the body. My conclusion is that the ComforTech stock is a worthwhile recoil-dampening feature that, unlike muzzlebrakes, has no downside.

The test rifle had a nice trigger pull for an autoloader. It is a two-stage trigger but with very little takeup. The test sample broke at a hair over five pounds, but 31?2 pounds of that pull was in the first stage. Once the slack is taken up, the trigger breaks fairly cleanly with a little added pressure. For safety reasons I would not want the trigger any lighter for a hunting autoloader.

Hornady's 180-grain Interlock Softpoints turned in good accuracy in the Benelli R1 in .30-06.

Accuracy off the bench was fair with several loads and downright impressive with one, Hornady's 180-grain Interlock softpoint load. Groups with this load averaged a shade over one inch at 100 yards. For a two-piece-stocked autoloader this is excellent performance.

I predict other manufacturers will be forthcoming with stock designs that soften the effects of recoil. Given the lighter rifles made possible by use of modern alloys and polymers and the increasing influx of magnum cartridges, it is a natural evolution in design that manufacturers will strive to make these light, potent rifles more pleasant to shoot. Benelli's ComforTech stock is a noteworthy step along this path.