Friend of mine had ane some years ago. It was good looking and very heavy, laminated maple. I think the best use is shooting from a bench. seem's to me it changes the position of your hand to better control the trigger. But it's also miserable to throw up to your shoulder quickly ya gotta fool around with finding the thumbhole or carry it around with your hand in it all the thim. My friend NEVER hunted with his. As for absorbing recoil, maybe. Probally most of the reduction in recoil comes from the added weight of the stock. 100% of that weight is UNDER the barrel and action.
