Versatile - yes, I have owned & shot one for over 30? years. My first was a custom on a Husky action, light in wght. and it would beat on me fairly hard. The one I own now is a Ruger #1 and I can handle the recoil well, I have .375 H&H also in a #1 that is less punishing as the jolt is less sharp. Ammo is pricey IMHO, but one can always reload. Alternatives, of course there are, question is do you want to shoot a Weatherby cal. By the way what are considering for a rifle? FWIW --- John303.