Hey Daryl,
I've got a gimpy shoulder myself and the 8 really isnt that bad. I tried some reduced loads with it too and they were still well within minute of coffee can at 25 yards. Lots of fun!! Oh and that's a beauty of a rifle you have there too. You're exactly right about the easy alighnment of sights on the english guns.......it's almost like they leap to your shoulder. Cant wait to get my casting stuff so I can make some ammo for this booger!!!