I have never owned any rifles other then a .22 and a .223 for a short period of time,living in Indiana never could hunt with them so never considered them. I might be in the market for one of these to hunt with. If I buy a rifle I'd like something without a ton of recoil so I can go to the range and enjoy it. Used to be only shotguns and as a kid I dreaded going out and sighting in the 12 gauge. I feel the .243 might be a little to small for my liking, if I decide not to get that what would be the next best choice?