Agree with the kick. Like a pissed off mule. I have an M44, the carbine with a folding bayonet. I have found that Tula ammunition is the worst for that. I found some Winchester (I think) that was a little softer. Whenever I shoot that sucker, I think of old pictures of Russian women carrying one. Always carrying, never seemed to be shooting though. Maybe, just maybe I know why.
With any high power rifle, recoil has to be managed. I find the kick of an M44 to be slightly less than an '03 Springfield. With both rifles the Marine method works best for me. Wrap the sling around your left arm and use your elbow to tuck the rifle tightly into the shoulder pocket. Lean into the rifle, acquire the sight picture and squeeze the trigger.
My step-father taught me to fire a Springfield, my first deer rifle, when I was 13 years old and weighed about 90 pounds. He was a WWII CB who was taught by a Marine DI.
Also, proper Mosin ammo comes in 440 round spam cans and is made in places like Bulgaria (arsenal 10) or Frunze, Kirghizia (arsenal 60). Accept no substitutes! :-)