I have hunted with a #1--7STW for the past two years. I started with a straight barrel. Wow!! did that thing kick! I could hit the target at 100, but there was no way I could get a group of any kind. I had Answer Products put on their "Answer System". It consists of a muzzle brake and a special recoil pad. Now, with proper loads and if I can do my part, the gun will put three shots in the same hole at 100. I have developed a load that will shoot 2" high at 100 and dead-on at 300. I would trust this rifle and load out to 500+. Ruger makes an excellent product. But this one needs a little alteration