M-N are FUN!
I have the Model44 and it is a blast. Of course, I couldn't handle the metal buttplate. I changed it for the padded one designed for Mosin-Nagant rifles, for around $20. It feels fine now.
I still thought it was bad, until I FINALLY got my 870 SuperMagnum shotgun out, and fired some 3" and 3.5" shells through it, at around 1500fps.
After THAT kick, the M-N [with padded buttplate] feels like my Mini-14 does if all I've fired was the M-N.
If someone complains about the M-N's kick, have them shoot a magnum round through a 3.5" 12 gauge and they'll back down about the M-N.
Looks like you had a fun day!