I agree. I never think my 91-30 is that bad; until I sit down.Just a hint...
If you shoot any of them sitting or prone, it's going to feel like it kicks more due to the more rigid position of your body.
Shooting standing and allowing your body to "rock" a little under recoil will make the recoil feel less.
That said, I've only shot 1 M/N, an M44, and only about 5 rounds.
At 6'4"-ish and 260-ish lbs (at the time...), shooting standing wasn't a big deal at all. In fact, I was rather disappointed. I expected much more pain and a sharper recoil impulse.
And that's coming from a guy who's admittedly a little recoil sensitive when it comes to .30+ caliber rifles.
-J-