I have one on a Surgeon XL. The action is EXTREMELY beefy and strong. The added weight of the action helps to reduce recoil. As far a barrel I would not go any less than 26" and really more if you're comfortable doing so. Barrel maker, if you stick with the top name brands, Hawk Hill, Bartlein, Kreiger, etc you should not have any issues. I would not go any slower than a 10 twist so you can shoot 300 grain pills.