My model 70 Classic Stainless 300 WSM did not kick at all when I shot my bull moose last fall. At the range it kicks a bit more than my pre-64 model 70 30.06 and a bit less that my Ruger Express 77 Mk11 300 Win Mag. Some will say recoil doesn't bother them and I would say that is true for me when hunting. However, when at the range I am conscious of it. Therefore I have Pachmayr Decelerators on both the 300 WSM & 300 Win Mag and in addition when at the range I wear a Paste Recoil (sissy) pad and would highly recommend this route for anyone who is recoil conscious or who would like to shoot an endless number of rounds comfortably. The 300 WSM will certainly not beat you up. If you find it kicks more than you like put a Pachmayr on it. gg.

"The older a man gets, the farther he had to walk to school as a boy"