cordite,
I can tell you from my own limited experience that you will have a blast (pun) with that 8. I have one that Steve built and man is it fun. The balance is superb so it feels much lighter than it is yet it tames the recoil. Even though it's a big gun, it is still fairly trim in the grip area so it doesnt feel blocky. I can shoot and or carry mine all day. It instantly became my favorite rifle.