I am a big fan of this rifle in 375 Ruger and 416 Ruger.
I don’t feel disadvantaged by the shorter barrels as to velocity loss. The area that I normally hunt is vision limited to absolute maximum of about 225 yards. That is from elevation looking through gaps in alders and black spruce.
I find the stainless a big plus in the normally wet moose hunting season. The shorter barrels are also I plus for me. Though 20” is as short as I would go if building one.
This rifle in the 30-06 is certainly no lightweight as Aussie_Hunter mentioned. It has the same barrel contour as my older Alaskan model 375 Ruger. I think my 416 Ruger version is a more straighter taper so a touch fatter forward of the forend.
I am like Aussie_Hunter regarding the weight of this 30-06. I am liking it. I guess the familiar feel to 9 pound and a few ounce scoped rifles.
I am undecided of what scope is going on this 30-06. But, leaning heavily towards a 30mm tube, Kahles 1.1-4x24 that I have used on bigger bores. If I frequented more open areas, I think I would go with a 1.5-6x42.