They are both HOSSES.The best thing to do is get a pachmayer pad if they make one foreither gun.I have shot the 10ga's before,and I have a 12ga 3.5",that I am currently using.They both kick like a mule.My friend had the NEF 10ga,and he put some lead in the stock.It made it heavy,but it knocked alot of the kick out.I would say that the 12ga 3.5",patterns a hair better than the 10's,but there are some manufacturers coming out with new shells,and choke designs for the 10's so we'll see.As of now there are more options as far as chokes/shells for the 12ga.Plus the 10's are heavier to tote around.You can get the same amount of shot from either gun.Up to 2 1/4 oz.I would go with the 12ga 3.5",buteither will do the job.Hope I helped.