Hey Goldie, I own the 870 3" and have nothing but great success with it, deer, bunnies, ducks and geese and even a pair of turkeys, wouldn't trade it for the semi. Chokes are the same price for them so its not really an issue, and if your worried about recoil get the smaller youths version, just as much gun without the recoil that these fellas are worried about. Get yourself to a gun shop and try one out for a fit. Have fun and shoot straight.