Steve, let me know how you do on your new acquistion. I just 'bit the bullet' and after a year of lust, and hesitation on price and potential recoil issues, and then coming together on the price and giving in to the lust factor based on superb condition and engraving, I bought an incredibly-beautiful Hagn-actioned Custom take down single shot in a 470 NE. At 8 pounds 12 oz with the three recoil reducers in the butt removed it will rattle your teeth and a handle to shoot. I plan on replacing the mecury recoil reducers (the original owner didn't like the balance with them, 3 as originally installed by the builder) and that should help quite a bit. I am going to load down a WHOLE lot and any thoughts you would have on helping reduce that even more -- I hate to replace the leather pad at the rear with something more practical but less attractive -- I'd love to hear about that. Dave (P.S. Whomever said experience is the best teacher forgot that lust can overide experience any day. I picked up a very, very reasonably price Dakota Model 10 in a 405 Winchester. I couldn't figure out why the owner parted with it as it appeared to have less than a box of ammo through it, the list price with the top of the line wood, fancy checkering, etc was sky high, and he practically gave it to me. One trip to the range with that featherweight in that chambering showed why. Five rounds later, and I sold it to a fellow who wanted to track down Moose in 'rough and far' conditions. Bless him, I wanted that thing off my shoulder as soon as possible. I said never again. So much for my common sense.)