Yes, the felt recoil on my 300WM is noticably less than my 12 ga. The "drop" on a shotgun stock increases the felt recoil over a straight stock on a rifle. You are also launching a 385 gr slug versus only a 180 gr bullet. All I know for sure is my shoulder likes my 30-06 and 300WM far better than that stupid slug thrower. From a comparison standpoint, I have read several times that a slug gun recoil is most similar to a 338WM. I would believe that all day long based on my personal experience with the 30 caliber guns.