I grew up using shotguns for everything. Saboted slugs, 3 inch and 3 1/2 inch magnums were unheard of and shotguns where typically heavier with longer smoothbore barrels. I never recall recoil being too bad with heavier 12 gauges and 2 3/4 inch slugs. The introduction of 2 3/4" saboted slugs and rifles barrels never seemed too bad either. Avoid light guns and longer magnum slugs if recoil is an issue or get a 20 gauge. It doesn't take a cannon to kill a deer.