Stalkingbear is close inthe comments you have gotten, but there is another couple of factors, especially in today's standards that makes a world of difference! Recoil pad or plate used on the rifle/shotgun. Sims Lim-Saver is in my opinion as good as they get that is out there for recoil relief.

Now that being said there is one more factor that is (THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR OF THEM ALL! ) if the gun doesn't fit you!!! It will KICK the living S*** out of you PERIOD!The number "1" factor to remember, especially if it is scope mounted. If the gun does fit when you mount it to your shoulder and you can't see the sights or through the scope without moving your stance, the gun doesn't fit you properly. This makes you adjust to a unnatural position, which inturn can cause the kick to be transfered to the top of the shoulder that doesn't give. Also, if you are bench shooting and lean into or bend forward when holding the gun instead of sitting straight where you whole torsocan take the recoil much better than hammering on the top of your shoulder that doesn't give at all.

Hope this helps?