My brother and I both have 3 1/2" Golds and my son has a 3" Gold. Previously I owned an 11-78 and an older Benelli SBE. I much prefer the Gold. I don't hunt waterfowl very much anymore, mainly pheasant. I also have an older Citori. I shoot the Citori WAY better than the Gold for some reason. It just fits me better I guess.