You're right, it is in another league.That's why I wear a Past recoilshoulder pad when Ishoot my .300 Wby from the bench.As a matter of fact, I usually wear it no matter what I'm shooting. It just makes shooting from the bench a more pleasurable activity.

As to the original poster, if the gun (without scope) doesn't weigh at least 7.5 to 8 pounds, I think I'd pass on it. You want a little heft in a rifle chambered for something like the .300 Wby.

I once shot a friend's synthetic stockedWinchester Model 70 .30-06 and it was absolutely the most painful rifle I've ever had the misfortune of shooting. I don't know if it was the stock design, the light weight or what, but it would absolutely nail you every time you pulled the trigger. My .300 Wby Sako is an absolute *****cat compared to that thing.