what kind of 12ga guns did you have? For shotguns the heavier the gun, the less the recoil. Another thing that helps is gas gun over recoil operated. Light 1oz loads work well in the 12ga as well. A good 1100 which is a heavier gas operated gun with 1 oz loads and a good recoil pad will go along way in your shooting comfort. the benelli is light, recoil operated and typically needs a little hotter loads to cycle. I have a 1100 that will spit out 1oz and 7/8 oz loads all day long