RE: At what weight is recoil a problem
If you want a light gun to shoot 3" 12's I'd certainly look at an auto...a gas-operated auto.
Then again, when you're actually hunting and not target shooting the adrenaline and 'focus' of the moment is the best recoil-reduction system in existance. So...back to deleh's advice. Find something you like and can hit well with (aka it fits you) and enjoy!