Just finished a Wi Wingshooting class. Instructors talked about lethal distance along with shot size and choke selection.
Then patterning using a Tom Rosters table I found I should go to a 2 3/4 round in 3 shot and go away from my 3 inch blackcloud round. Clearly was over kill. And higher priced.
The Kent 2 3/4 patterned just fine.
That does a few things.
1. Reduced recoil with my 12. Far less recoil with a 2 3/4.
2.Reduced recoil means no flinch. Which can develop in anybody.
3. Big money saver for sure.
To answer tour question on recoil a OU vs a Pump.
The pump will have slightly less recoil vs a OU.
That compiled with a reduced charge shotshell. Will do just fine. Or like suggested have a high quality Pachmyr butt pad added.
Closing.
Yes a Semi - Auto has the least amount of recoil vs the other firearm actions you currently own.
JW