RE: RECOIL-RECOIL.....
Frizzellr, you are right on the money about the PAST recoil shield. Some years back my gunsmith suggested that I get one of these to prevent injury to my rotator cuff. I noticed that my shoulder hurt like all get out aftera day shooting surplus 8mm Mauser. After getting the Field Grade PAST shield I found life at the range far more pleasant. It isn't about being tough, it's about preventing soft tissue damage to parts of your body that were never intended to stop battering rams like big bore rifles. PAST sells several thicknesses, Field Grade being the thinnest.
If for some reason I wanted to get a big boomer I would definitely invest in either one of the Magnum style PAST shields or maybe even a Caldwell Lead Sled. Recoild and muzzle blast are much less noticeable when hunting, but if you develop a flinch when you shoot you might as well stay home and watch the Outdoor Channel because you aren't going to hit much in the field anyway.