I've got a Browning 10ga. Gold that shoots 3 1/2in mag. It actually kicks less than my 12ga. with 2 3/4 in slugs. I believe the reason being is the browning 10ga is about 10lbs and has a gas operated semi auto action. The gun itself eats up most of the kick. I'll be the first to admitt that the 10ga. is a bit of overkill. I generally only use it for deer whan my farther and I are hunting together in a shotgun only area. He is a rifle hunter so I give up the 12ga. to him as he dosn't own a shotgun.