I bought one last winter and used it this weekend to take a 14 point buck, gross score 165 3/8. I bought a Savage, as they were the only company that offered a left-handed rifle in the .300 WSM. Debated the issue on this board with a lot of people before going with it. A lot of people warned me that the recoil couldn't be much less than the .300 Mag, and that a 30 06 would kick less, be just as effective, and have cheaper ammo. They were wrong about the recoil. I'd say it is about the same as an 06. I grew up hunting with a 12 guage for just about everything, and that old shotgun kicks more, so the .300 WSM recoil doesn't bother me at all. Is an 06 just as effective? Probably. My focus is whitetail. I needed a new rifle, as my son started hunting this year. A friend just moved to CO and wants me to come out to hunt elk. I thought I'd get something to use in CO as well. An 06 would've worked fine in CO for elk too, but I just couldn't overlook the ballistics I kept reading about in the magazines. THEY WERE RIGHT ABOUT THE AMMO! I've had trouble finding ammo. A lot of new 300 WSM out there, and between the need for more for target practice and sighting in new rifles, and the fact that most prople don't have ammo from seasons past for this new caliber, means less availability. And, it's more expensive. I've paid $32 for ballistic silvertips, although found them for $24 at Wal-Mart. Still, not cheap! I believe as the popularity rises, and I beleive it will, the ammo will become common, although I'm not prediciting a price reduction. Bottom line - don't be afraid of the recoil. Action variety is limited (if your interested in pump, semi-auto, lever, or left handed rifles, you may have a tough time finding them) although I believe that may change in years to come. Biggest problem so far for me is the price and availabilty of the ammo. I've found it, but you have to look behind the stacks of 06, 270, 308, and 30-30 shells to find them. Good luck!

Booche's