I have put about 500 rounds of various kinds of ammunition through this rifle and have found the shooting experience to be wonderful! It is quite accurate with off hand shooting and the 5.56 mm produces very little recoil and even less with this rifle as it is rather heavy. Have had exactly zero malfunctions of any type and am pleased with my purchase. I did notice that the rifle tends to have more accuracy ]tighter groups[ with heavy grain bullets. Not as light as an AR 15 but the operating rod, ease of cleaning, and accuracy make up for any extra weight. If it''s too heavy for you, go to the gym. Great weapon!