Because of the 20# weight there is little to no kick. I am using only 80 grain FFG though and if I were to go past 300 yards then I'd go up to 110 or even 120 and then get some kick I guess.

That cheek piece was on a rifle I bought that had the aforementioned Douglass XX barrel. It had been mounted with a Unertl but when the owner died an unscroupulous shooter I was told talked his widow into selling it for a low price?! I like the idea of layers of leather as moisture will not hurt them if there is any sweat or moisture. I had made one out of a piece of walnut years ago onto a Sharps 45-70 that had a straight stock and I could not see the scope I had mounted. When I go close at home I went to the range with the rifle and a small wood plane and trimmed the wood until the height was oaky.
John

I really like that leather cheekpiece idea. My chunk gun weighs 32 lbs, has a 36" long barrel, is .38 caliber round ball and doesn't move at all when fired. Has the old style buttplate, which I can't feel under recoil. Only problem is it's a real workout shooting that thing. But, I may just use the leather cheekpiece idea to get me up off the comb more.

Well, we must be in pretty good shape then, humping these heavyweights on and off the bench!! But, it is why I'm building a lighter weight Billinghurst style .45