The Aperture sights are very good, the kick isn't that bad and it's very easy to load clips. Surprisingly the sound the gun generates isn't too intimidating, it's easy to get used to after firing or listening to a clip being dispersed.
I've shot the M1 Garand a few times now, it's always a treat. One of the times I shot it I forgot it was semi automatic, I thought it had a bolt action.