I've tried 4 types of 3 1/2" magnums in my life and I've found that some kick harder than others. Federal seems to kick the hardest. Hevi shots not too bad. I just found that Winchester XX HV kicks like a 3" mag. It highly tolerable. To me less kick would make you more accurate. What do you all think of this statement? Agree/disagree? And have you all noticed the difference in the shells or is it me?

My gun doesn't take 3 1/2 shells, and I wouldn't want them.

I would not think the kick actually effects the shot much. I shoot the Federal 3.5 mags and a Benelli Nova, I bought the recoil reducer (NEEDED it). My point is this, when I shot my first bird with this set up I never felt the shot, concentraiting so much on the bird. Now patterning is a bear at times, but that is another story.

when you are shooting at a bird you won't be able to feel the kick anyways.

Agreed.

I hate trying to pattern new shells through my 3 1/2 but in the woods I never even think about it.

Don't know about 3 1/2's my gun is a 870 mag and only takes 3 inch shells. However, like others said during the hunt you'll likely not feel the shot. But unless you can tolerate it during patterning your gun you'll probably anticipate it during your hunt and flinch before the shot which can't help your acuracy. Now that all depends on how focused you are on the bird and haw much your worried about the shot. I know with my deer gun (rem 870 mag) I shoot 3 inch mag slugs. I took a 16 year old boy hunting this year and he was so worried about the kick of the gun. His dad prefers an autoloader. I told him not to worry about it and that during thehunt he'd never feel it. Which is true for me. Unfortunatlyhe never got to test me on that this year. I do knoweven with my 3 inch mags I'd rather shoot a slug than a turkey load.

I patterned my gun over the weekend andjust took my time. One shot, walk and check the target. Another shot ...and so on. It wasn't to bad. 3 1/2's may have hurt more butif you take your time between shots it isn't too bad. Plus its all what your gun likes.

Use the load that patterns the best in your gun...Some 3 1/2s pattern 3 inch shells better than the 3 1/2s...

Yeah I hate patterning my 3.5" gun. It hurts. Like others have said, when shooting the turkey you dont feel it.

While Actual Turkey Shooting

Disagree whole heartedly on first shot - second and third yes AGREED. Mossberg guns kick harder than other makes and models. This can be corrected/reduced with good recoil pads and or counter wieghting of butt stock.

Patterning
AGREED But starting out with light trap loads at close quarters 15 yds - dailing in the gun and then going to actual Turkey loads the recoil effect can be reduced and it also can be reduced using a shooting bench until you think you have it there and then going to the ground in a typical turkey whacking postion.

my 2 bucks worth - others may agree or disagree!

JW