In theory the rifle should have kicked harder without the pound or so of a scope, especially with the load I used, 300's at around 2600. But it actually seemed to kick a little less, because it fit me better.
I also suspect there something about having a metal tube being driven back sharply mere inches from one's eye to make 'perceived recoil' seem a bit greater! (I like the NECG aperture sight on my #1 375 .....especially when I get to watch my 15 year old son use it.
)
