First at the range are you using sand bags? try throwing one over your shoulder. NO sense beating yourself up at the range. The sand bags will cut the felt recoil by about 95% no bruiseing. as far as recoil pads. Sims labratorys has some great reoil pads guaranteed to cut felt recoil by 50%. If you like your rifle and you think it is good for you. It really doesn' t matter how much you spent. Vanguards are nice rifles for the money. your groups sound pretty good, especially if that was your first time out. It isn' t always the rifle but sometimes experiece shooting. Good luck with your rifle. I had great luck with the remingon core lokt 165' s in 06.