Yes, yes I did.... with ordinary ole Winchester copper plated lead #5s. The gun is much lighter and more pleasant to carry but the felt recoil is definitely increased. It is not too bad on the shoulder because the handi-grip stock has a decent pad on it but it jumps upward and hits my cheekbone now! It isn't horrible, definitely not the hardest kicking shotgun I have ever shot. I shot it twice and it did not leave any bruises or give me a black eye so it isn't anything I can't live with. I will try it with the factory wood forearm and see if that helps any. Also may go ahead and get a thumbhole stock and forearm set from Boyds just to give it a whirl.