EKM, I agree it isn't shy on pop but it works excellent for my terrain/situation but more importantly I can handle it accurately and have 100% confidence in my abilities with this rifle. I always have matched the bullet to the quarry, for me that is a given. I simply stated my point as not all people are sissy's or worried about recoil there are reasons for some hunters choice. I still think a gun that will/can be practiced with is a better option than a big gun with minimal practice/confidence, etc. Of course a min., bullet choice and standard/limitation must be factored in. I will agree the walk and talk line is very fine and those stories of crossing that line are rarely told, to bad but really all we can do is state opinions, experience and chose our own path. In the end it is the guy in the mirror who has to make the decision and live with that decision.