I just thought the A bolt would be the better gun for not much more money than the Howa in the same shop. I figured I could deal with the recoil or find a way to manage it. I never seem to notice recoil in the field shooting at game.

Sounds like I was wrong though so far. I have no doubt in my mind a .243 or a 22-250 would not blow a woodchuck apart as well. Pieces are pieces, I don't guess it matters how small they are.

For the price of the used A bolt I could get some pretty decent new bolt guns from different makers.

Paul