I think the whole issue comes down to this...
If you're worried about recoil before you buy the rifle, then psychologically, when you get it, it's going to kick the crap out of you. If recoil is even an issue, don't buy a 7mm magnum, it isn't a hard recoiling caliber but it is if you think it will be. I am not a recoil sensitive guy. I like a big thumping rifle. I have no problems up to and including the dreaded 460 Weatherby. However, some people do have a problem with recoil. My son was terrified of shooting his first cf. I promised him that he would never feel the recoil when he was shooting at game and he had no trouble after that. In all my years of shooting and hunting, one thing is true overall, at the range, it recoils, in the woods, never. I guess my point is, forget the da## recoil and buy a rifle that fits you, then develop good shooting habits. Nothing will make for a poorer marksman than recoil anticipation.