The only time I noticed it was while benched and sighting it in. I got in a crazy posture and it surprised me with the blast in the face. When held normally I am never more than "annoyed".
I have alway had firearms and this is my first PCP rifle. All the excitement I found online about the features of the Avenger are true. It has replaced my use of .22LR around the ranch...highly recommeded at the price.