Stock fit, most importantly length of pull. Too short and you'll suffer, too long and you'll suffer. Doesn't have to be down to the nearest 1/100th of an inch. Our Length of pull changes somewhat based on weigt gain or loss, muscle tone, clothing, etc. But it needs to be within an acceptable range.

You don't want your face so close to the breach that you detach a retina (a double does not have the breathing space a 6 inch bolt gives you), bust yourself in the nose or blow out an eardrum. Likewise, you don't wanta stock that is too long throwing off your aim or separating a shoulder.

Stock design can also go a long way in disappating recoil.

It is also important for the total weight ofthe rifle to be commensurate with the caliber. For a 470NE, something in the 9-11 poind range. For a big 577, at least 13.5 pounds.

The way the rifle balances helps a lot. MOre weight past the mid point may help with the amount of barrel rise after a shot but won't help your shoulder.