You are correct about the past shield. I wear mine religiously. Dose wonders for your shoulder. I have a 450x400 Manton double and it kicks like a mule. Far worst than the 416. I think it has to do with the fit. I have quite a few shotguns in 10ga and 8ga and there not to easy on the shoulder. The pad makes them much more tolerable. The straps do suck.