I know it feels weird, but you need to do it until you get used to it. It is just like shooting a bow, anytime you change anything it feels odd, doesn't mean it is wrong though. You are just not used to it. Rifles need proper form as well, it's just as critical. If you would stick with doing it the correct way you would find after a while you won't get tired as quickly and you will shoot better. Not to mention being that far off balance the recoil will really effect you. I wouldn't be surprised if after the shot you have to actually take a step backwards to keep your balance. Am I right on that?

To answer your question though, yes I have been smacked in the head before. Normally when shooting something with a lot of recoil and using a high powered scope turned all the way up off from bench. The higher power makes eye relief more critical and when shooting from a bench I tend to creep up on the scope sometimes.

I have done it with a 30-06 when I was younger and again with my slug gun a few years ago. I am very little, so that doesn't help either. I only weighed about 85-90 lbs when I had the 30-06.

Paul