I love my Mossberg 835, I use Winchester Suprems HV, 3.5", #5, does it kick like a mule? My mind is on a turkey so I don't feel it, but I do feel it while pattering the shotgun/ The 835 was made for turkey and/or waterfowl, the shotgun is a proven turkey slayer, but that 870 has stood on top for many, many years. The 870 is heavier then the 835. Goto your local gun shop and handle both, see which one you like, and take it from there