I have shot a 12ga Red Label for several years now. It is a very fine fitting gun for me. The recoil isn't any different for me than any pump(870,BPS) I shoot. They are a little more than some semi-autos such as the 11/87 because of the gas pistons. So if you are use to that the yes they will recoil somewhat differently. I'm not recoil shy either, I shoot alot of compressed handloads in 45/70 and 375 H&H so recoil doesn't effect me in ways it will someone else. But, bottom line you will not find a better shooter and reliability than the Ruger Red Label in an O/U shotgun. A-1 in my book. If you are needing some prices, I have a distributor that has a sale onthe 12ga versionsright now. E-mail me at [email protected] if interested?
Good Luck.