Bramble, very true. Roland at Hollands' shooting school had a friend bring in his new custom bolt action.458 Lott, synthetic stock, weight 8.5 lbs with scope !! to sight in. Before he tried it out
he asked Roland if he would like to try it. Roland respectfully declined (and this is a guy who has fired most everything and is certainly not recoil shy). I am told the chap put 2 rounds through it, bleeding nose and large headache...it was sold, though God knows who bought it. Is 12lb about right for a .500 NE ? best, Mike