Good point... the gun my wife bought was a 7400 carbine, 30-06 , blue / synth.

I shoot short light weight bolt actions , like the model 7 and the m77 compact , but also have a-bolt medallions, m77 stainless /syn. , that I have tested with and they were very comfortable shooting. Of course the smaller guns are a felt little more, but not much. Recoil is felt differently by everyone. What is harsh to me may not be to you , and vice-versa.