I have a 3.5" one, I don't shoot 3.5" in it much but when I do they recoil about as much as 3", 3" is about like 2.75", and 2.75" is nothing at all so very soft shooting. It doesn't like super light (7/8 to 1 oz) loads but to me the point of a semiauto is to be able to shoot heavier loads with less recoil so sort of a nonissue. Mine sees heavy use in flooded rice fields for waterfowl and snipe, it has been great in muddy rough conditions. One thing to be wary of is the stock though, they are prone to turning sticky though the issue may be resolved now.