I have the Mossberg 835 and it does kick especially when shooting it off of sandbags to pattern it. I had six different loads to try when I patterened mine. The recoil is manageable. I have seen one of the 870s that had a much better pattern with the 3 inch shells than with the 3 1/2 inch shells. Just think of all the fun you will have trying all the different loads that are available. Good Luck and congradulations on the new gun.