RE: Recoil
I had one of the earlier 835's when they first came out many years ago, and the only shell company way back then that even made shells for the 3 1/2" 12 gauge was Federal. After taking only 9 shots at the pattern range with that particular gun, I had enough!! My shoulder was so sore and brusied up that I couldn't even think of shooting a .410 for two weeks!!
A 3" shell is more than enough to get the job done, and probably will pattern better than a 3 1/2" shell. I've long since sold off that 835 and went with a Winchester 1300 in a 3" gun instead. You couldn't sellme a 3 1/2" gun now!!!![:-]