I picked up a new x-bolt in 7mm-08 for my 16yr old daughter to hunt deer in wisconsin, She didnt hunt this fall but I did shoot this gun at the range a few times and it was alot of fun to shoot , it kicks very little and was very accurate with factory loads, I really enjoyed shooting this gun, and was even thinking of getting another one if she decides to keep hunting, I also shoot and own a 270 , 270wsm, 300wsm and a 7mmrem mag, but this thing is a gun u go shoot and u dont want to put it down, compared to some of the bigger cal i have fired at the range , so u wont go wrong by buying a 7=08 and will want to shoot alot......... good luck.....