springgobble, I'll bet you get a bunch of responses to your post. I would suggest a bolt action or single shot rifle in 243 Win, 6mm Rem, 257 Roberts, 30-30, or maybe even 44 Rem Mag, (you can shoot 44 special). Be careful with a single shot, some of them are really light weight and can have a real sharp kick. Another trick that reduces felt recoil is good hearing protection. (If it's not so loud, it doesn't seem to kick as bad.)