Hello and Welcome Mike.
I have a Handi with the wood stock and an Ultra Comp both in .30-06. The recoil of the Ultra is noticibly less. The Handi lets you know what your shooting, but I cannot catagorize it as abusive or anywhere close. I can honestly tell you that I am not a fellow who enjoys guns that kick the daylights out of you. I shoot for the pleasure, not to be pounded on.
Now, I do shoot 180 gr bullets and am soon going to try some 150's. I've read that there is even less recoil with the 150's.
I used the "O" ring trick in the Handi and it will shoot better than I will ever be able to shoot it. When I do my part it will shoot 1" 3 shot group at 100 yds all day. See the FAQ section for tips on making them shoot better.
Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions. There is a great deal of help and some very knowledgeable folks that lurk around here on this site
EVOC ONE