I would also suggest that the number of folks justifying the use of 3" vs 3.5" really tells you how hard the 3.5's kick. Bottom line is more shot provides greater knock down power. Every year I tell myself I'm going to go back to 3" to avoid the recoil of a 3.5 (OUCH). But every year I find myself entering the turkey woods with the 3.5 inch shells. I like the added confidence out to 50 yards.

I've often wondered what rifle caliber equates to the 3.5" shotgun recoil