I doubt you will need a semi auto to reduce recoil but if that is the direction you go, buy a gas operated one because the recoil operated will bot cycle for someone who is recoil shy and doesn't pull the shoulder stock tight against the shoulder. You can buy reduced recoil slugs and they work well and are plenty to kill a deer. I have shot 12 ga reduced recoil slugs in law enforcement training and they make a big difference in recoil.