One thing WWhunter kind of mentioned that is VERY important is getting a rifle that "fits" the individual. Different manufacturers have different stock configurations, etc. and will fit individuals much differently. I like my Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker and it fits me very well, but for a shorter guy it probably wouldn't be a very good fit. The Remington 700's have a much shorter stock and would fit a shorter guy better IMO. The Tikkas also seem to have a short stock to me. A rifle that fits well with a decent recoil pad isn't going to have much "felt" recoil. My friend has a Remington 700 in .270 win with a flat plastic recoil pad on it and it has much more "felt" recoil to me than my 7mm Rem Mag that fits me well and has a limbsaver recoil pad on it.

Just one more option to consider.