I have a preference for a Whelen. Picked up a Model 700 Classic years ago and it has never let me down. Load development was easy. It's fairly light for a larger caliber but the recoil isn't that bad IMHO. Similar to my 7mag with 175's. You can always minimize recoil at the bench using sand bags, etc etc. When you touch one off at game you won't even notice it I assure you. Besides you aren't getting a rifle that you are going to shoot thousands of times at the range. Get a smaller caliber "understudy" rifle for that!