I have owned a Savage 610 12ga. 3" bolt action shotgun for about 6 yr. have 3x9 scope mounted on it and it shoots fairly well. I was getting about 1 1/2" groups at 100yds. using the remington copper slugs. This model came with a synthetic stock and would just kick the bejesus out of you on the range. I had tried to have a recoil reducer installed but there was no room in the stock. A Simms limb saver pad may help, but I have retired this gun for a T/C Omega 50 cal. that is very accurate out to 150 yds.(shooting 1" groups at 100 yds. and 3 1/4" groups at 200 meters). We can use Muzzleloaders during our firearm season in Mich.