From my experience: One post spoke of a heavier rifle yielding less recoil. The light weight rifle gave more recoil. Many people, when taking game do not sense recoil or report from the firearm. If that's the case, recoil is not an issue. The point was well made that we carry firearms more than we shoot. I suspect this recoil concern comes from shooting from the bench. YMMV. Another point that has come up indirectly is that one has to make no sacrifices with a light weight rifle. If there is no sacrifice with a light weight rifle what's the point of lugging around a rifle where you need wheels. The topic, I think, is accuracy of the Tikka rifle. The weight is light and the accuracy is excellent.