I've shot 3 inch magnum slugs out of my gun before just to see how hard they kick. They tore me up, i would NEVER even think about firing a 3.5 inch slug. The recoil only bothers me in the summer time when i'm just wearing a t-shirt while shooting. But when i hunt, i have so many layers on to keep warm that i don't feel a thing. I love my 12 Gauge 500 with Rifled Barrel.