The Garand is a 9lb rifle, built to launch 150gr bullets at 2750fps +/- (or the 173 match @ 2640+/-.
Current .30-06 sporting ammo lists velocities in the 2900fps range, some 150s are listed at 3000fps+. Along with the higher velocity, the pressure curve of this ammo is bad for a Garand.
Felt recoil from a 9lb semi auto, firing a 150gr at 2750 is going to be noticeably less than a 7lb (or 8lb) bolt action shooting a 150 at close to 3,000fps.
How much difference you feel, and how it affect you is a matter for the individual shooter. But I can guarantee you that the Garand, with its proper ammo will feel like less kick than a bolt gun with modern sporting loads.
Current .30-06 sporting ammo lists velocities in the 2900fps range, some 150s are listed at 3000fps+. Along with the higher velocity, the pressure curve of this ammo is bad for a Garand.
Felt recoil from a 9lb semi auto, firing a 150gr at 2750 is going to be noticeably less than a 7lb (or 8lb) bolt action shooting a 150 at close to 3,000fps.
How much difference you feel, and how it affect you is a matter for the individual shooter. But I can guarantee you that the Garand, with its proper ammo will feel like less kick than a bolt gun with modern sporting loads.