I own a Beretta Xtrema and had a Mossberg 835 I don't think the recoil of the 3.5" is that much more that the 3". Besides when you are shooting at birds do you even remember the recoil? I like the ability to shoot any 12ga shell so I can use 2.75" for grouse and pheasant or 3" for ducks or 3.5" for geese and turkey. With the 3.5" you can have a one gun for everything.