IanC,
Ive only shot it with the original checkered plastic pistol grips. The buttstock does mitigate recoil a bit, but not an extremely noticeable amount. I made the walnut grips last weekend, and they have a nice slight palm swell compared to the original plastic ones. Everything, the wood pieces, is smooth and that was the plan to have it still feel like a tradition wood stock in the hand. Also have a nicer more contoured cheek piece made out of walnut but haven't quite finished it, so just used an extra mlok slot cover for the time being. And I also have a Ranger precision lever but that little old original one just cycles and fits a bare hand so nicely. Of course with a set of gloves the extra space from the oval shape may be beneficial.