I know you're not nocking them. Never thought you were.

Try gripping one tightly with a locked out elbow. I've done it on accident a few times with my 74# Wesley Special. Ouch.

Here is a site which gets into detail of the HH grip for anyone interested.
http://www.howardhillshooters.com/hillgrip/hillgrip.html

I also have some R/D longbows and some recurves with virtually no hand shock. Always trade offs though.

IMHO though, I like the differences between a D style longbow and a recurve. I don't think I will personally get anything in-between anymore (hybrid).