It has always seemed to me that your weapon kicks harder when you are practice shooting than when you are shooting at game? I turkey hunt - I did switch from the 3 1/2" magnum loads to 3" High Density loads as I dreaded practicing. The last turkey I shot did not show up where I expected, so I had to shift position when he walked behind a tree. What I was too excited to realize is that he but of the shotgun was now resting against my cheek. When I pulled the trigger, I didn't realize that the stock had "kicked" me in the face. I jumped up to run make sure the turkey was done for, staggered and almost fell on my face. Literally stunned, as it were. One of my more embarrasing moments.......