I have a sissy pad, recoil pad, whatever you want to call it. I love it. It has helped me tramidously. I can shoot my RUM's 30 rounds and no bruise. I also know it takes practice. When first shot my 300win mag when I was a kid, I had a huge bruise after 20 rounds. Why? Can't remember, I just know I did. Now the 300Win mag is a ***** cat compared to other rifles I have. I don't even bother with a recoil pad with it. All I can think of is, I was shooting with wrong form, or not rolling with the recoil. All I know is I got used to it. I know I ain't getting any stronger or tougher the older I get. I am much weaker now than I was 15 years ago.