Why the big recoil on my Remington 870 express with 3 inch load. Went out with a friend today and I shot my gun 4 times and it just killed my shoulder! I'm 6'5 220 lbs of fairly solid muscle too (weightlifter). I shot my friends mossberg 535 with a 3 1/2 inch shell and it didn't kick nearly as much. He had a 22 inch barrel, mine has a 21 inch. Can't believe an inch in barrel length would make that much difference? My shoulder is still aching 7 hours later. I do/did hold my gun tight up against my shoulder too.