Everything is relaxed as possible, except the grip. I like to shoot bigger guns, so I don't even try to fight recoil, just let the gun do what it's gonna do, then get back on target. My full power H110, 44magnum loads, are gentle as a newborn baby when holding the gun properly and in the right posture. Shooting powerful guns will teach you pretty quick, not to tense up, you'll get hurt.