Chris, the Kimber soaks up recoil in a remarkable way... at least for my build.
Its geometry is the key... I find I can shoot lighter rifles chambered for the same round more enjoyably with the Kimber stock than, say, a McMillan Featherweight or Hunter's Edge stocked M70 (both have more drop in the comb).
Personally I'd be all over a Montana 35 Whelen... would come in over 7lb's "all-up" weight.
For me, 250's at 2,600 - 2,650 is what the Whelen is all about.
