I know what you mean about a MB as being hard on your ears. I have someconcerns about recoil but figure to get a gun that weighs enough to help compensate. Many of my guns are ultra light weight because I walk and track almost all day so I am used to being kicked around when shooting. The only ported gun I presently have is my turkey gun Benelli SBE (older without the recoil reduction technology). Lots of data about different calibers and 300, 338, 340 and 375 are all players. I really like the stats on the 338 and definitely won't get anything with a MB. Thanks for your imput too Portage. I haven't talked with you in a while. Any snow yet up in Northern Me? Instead of going to Maine this year I am going to try Ohio...Frank D