Alright a quick background description on what I'm doing. I'm looking to buy a 30-06 for hunting elk, bear, deer, and well basically the 30-06 is historically great round, it's chambered in the gun I'm looking at, and well quite frankly....I want one to have one also.

The problem is I've never shot a high powered rifle...ever. I don't have any idea of the recoil from a highpowered rifle people talk of. Descriptions of teeth splitting recoil don't do me any favors. I've shot many 12ga shotguns over the years up to 3" magnum slugs. I'm 6'-1" 200lbs, am I going to be comfortable shooting a 30-06 or is it going to mess me up forever as far as flinching goes?

I would rather buy one great gun and scope instead of 2 mediocre ones?

Any suggestions other than finding someone with a 30-06 to shoot, because I don't know of any off hand.