took my new bushy 24" a2 to the range for breakin yesterday.  i don't remember it packing the recoil it did.  is this due to the 24" barrel and ak muzzle brake?  the ammo was lake city gi stuff and cycled flawlessly for 280 rnds.  i was really pleased w/ the weapon and am wondering if my memory back from the vietnam days is distorted.  thanx, rick

Can you elaborate on what you consider recoil ?
If you mean the sound. The AK  style brake makes quite a bit of cuncusion and noise, but should controll any undesirable muzzle climb.
If you mean the rifle moving backwards into you'r shoulder. I've never noticed any differance between my "20 & "24 barreled rifles.
Maybee shoot something in a higher caliber. Someone at the range will have a .308 or 30-06 they'll let you krack a round out of. That will make you're .223 feel nice and soft.