ive been shooting a rem 870 3 1/2" since i was 13 I really like it and the kick isnt bad either...patterning it you dont want to shoot a whole box of shells but in the woods you dont even notice the kick just like any other gun. the weight is similar if not the same as a 870 3". Im shooting winchesters newest shells in # 5 shot. I really like it for waterfowl too. like other people have mentioned you can always shoot 3" or 2 3/4" shells out of it too. REM 870 is the way to go