My R1 has a GAS system, hence the ARGO (auto regulated gas operated). It is also a synthetic stock model so it has the comfortec recoil reducing stock with a really soft buttpad. The barrel jumps a bit whe you shoot but nothing like a bolt action, and felt recoil is pretty minimal. 22" Barrel model.
I used it the last two whitetail seasons in the Prairies, and it is definately awesome having a semi when the crew pushes out big bicks and the odd coyote. If you remember the weather the last two years, last year was pretty mild, but the year before was tough hunting. We push bush so we were in -30 and over a foot of snow and in and out of the truck. moving to different areas The R1 frosted up pretty good from these conditions but never missed a beat. I have shot around 450-500 rounds through mine, have only wiped it with a rag to clean it and a couple shots of g96, and it hasn't had any malfunctions yet. (it can also be bump fired)
It did take a bit of trying different ammo to get something good. Normal ammo (win, fed,rem) shoots hockey puck groups, but hornady light mags will shoot quarter sized groups. This is my gun though and others will probably be different.
I would definately go with a Bennelli, the Browning boys I hunt with were all jealous!