Why do you want a 7.62 NATO for your wife?
It's a big round with a big kick.
A 5.56 will get to 500 without trouble.
Yes, many who started their military shooting careers remember a black eye from the back of your thumb when shooting the M-1 or M-14, as well as the M-1 thumb, during rifle inspections. :doh: (I Never did the M-1 thumb.)
The biggest reason that I can think of for preferring the 7.62 NATO over the 5.56 round is the 'knock down' power, as well as a little flatter shooting at longer ranges. Many in the Special Operations community, have voiced a need for this cartridge for those very reasons. As I recall the SCAR rifle, is a module rifle that can be used in either 5.56 and 7.62 for those reasons as well.
http://www.defense-update.com/products/s/scar.htm
Arizona's terrain IMO, would justify a hard hitting flat shooting round such as the 7.62 or .300 Win. Magnum over a 5.56 round.
I'll agree with you on the recoil for most slight women, especially those that don't shoot often, it could cause a lot of anticipation of that recoil and misses.
Another factor in the choice of rifle calibers is the weight of loaded magazines, if you need to carry a 'basic load,' and especially if you have to hump them any distance. :uhh:
If it were me, I'd buy a good 'battle rifle' in 5.56, from the many selection's of M-4 types on the market or an AK-47 variant and use the bolt action .300 Magnum he apparently already has for long distance shooting.
My guess that if the xhit hits the fan, the M-4 type with the 5.56 will better serve him than the 7.62 for most of his needs. Also easier on the wifes shoulder, etc. :2c:
