Recoil is definitly a factor peole should consider in a Hunting rifle. If you are afraid of the gun when you shoot it, chances are you aint gonna hit what your aiming it, much less be able to take the time to get a good zero. People need to take a close look at what they really need the rifle for, and then go from there. If your going after brown bear, you need to figure out how to handle recoil. I actually kinda enjoy heavy recoiling guns( must have knocked a few screws loose in my head... LOL) but my dad doesnt at all... But my dad has no problem putting deer down quicky with rifles like his 243, and 308. While I prefer to hunt with my 300 win mag... To each his own, thats why there are so many calibers out there