RE: Recoil and stock configuration
Some people claim that if you are ever going to hunt dangerous game with a bolt action in one of the heavy calibers, you should be careful of using a short action in your every day hunting - just so when you are under severe stress you don't instinctively short cycle.
There are others who say that the older style stocks, essentially designed for iron sights, actually lessen felt recoil because some of the punch is directed up rather than back into your shoulder. These people think that the straighter stock theory is an American affliction. I don't know, but I sure am glad when I shoot a single action revolver in anything over 44 mag that it swivels up in my hand. All my rifles have straight high comb stocks, I have never tested the let her roll up point of view.