Does the recoil system on the 54 make a noticable difference over say the 52? Does the system on the 54 allow for more failures or issues over the 52? Which is better?
tia.

the 52 is a recoiling gun ,the 54 is not.With the 54 you feel nothing(or prety much nothing),the 52 kicks hard.From the scope point of view thou, they are the same gun.In simple words the 54 is a 48/52 on rails.

<<Does the recoil system on the 54 make a noticable difference over say the 52?>>

Yes. Very noticeable. A stock 52 will give you quite a "thunk" in the shoulder, and you cannot allow it to rest on a bench or the thing will jump. The 54 will NOT give you any type of recoil pressure (unless you crowd the scope too closely!), and you can rest the forend on a bench to receive very precise shots.

<<Does the system on the 54 allow for more failures or issues over the 52?>>

No. The sliding rail system is really very simple. There is no way for some intricate problem to arise. If you DO have some weird problem, taking the stock off is simple, and will expose the mechanism. It really is simply a short, thick, polished steel rail that allows the action to slide in natural reaction to the piston moving forward. It does NOT involve the piston, the trigger, the spring or the cocking mechanism directly.

<<Which is better?>>

BOTH are ultimately shootable AND a pleasure to shoot. Both are powerful, accurate and more than a match for any skill level. You will be satisfied with either animal.

Kris in NY