As an interesting aside, I thought I would do a quick test a few minutes ago. Since most of the weight will be "between the hands" or as much so as Colin can make it, I tried to keep it as real as possible......

I started with an eight pound, 30 in. barreled 10 bore shotgun (actually weighs a little more than that), then had my son drape a 25 lb. bag of shot over the gun directly over my hand on the forend. Then added ten lbs more in two small bags placed so the balance point was just at my front hand. Total weight 43 pounds (give or take). I don't know about you guys, but I am not man enough to handle it! I gave up any pretense of being able to shoulder it and hold it for more than a few seconds and if the weight was even heavier, as Colin says it will be, and further forward.......I am afraid that buff or ele would just have to have a go at me!!

You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!!