I have tried other 3 1/2" semi-auto shotguns in the past and have always experienced jamming with the long loads. I finally settled on pump gun but shooting the 3 1/2's is tooth jarring with a pump. I decided to give the 18I a go and boy am I glad I did. I got it in time for last fall bird hunting and shot probably 30 boxes of low base through it with out a single misfire and this piece fits me perfectly right out of the box. Spring turkey rolled around and I broke out the big shells. I checked the pattern and burned through several 3 shot strings without a hiccup. The ammo I shoot is Win Long Beard and it claims a 60 yard effective range. As it happened a buddy and I were set up and he shot and crippled a Tom. The bird was a solid 75 yards from me but I shot to back up my buddy and rolled up that Tom with one shot. Wow, I love this gun and really it is easy to carry around with studs on it for a sling and the stock and forend don't feel slick for a synthetic. The plug is simple to remove or install under the magazine cap if regulations require. Even though it feels light, I really can't feel a difference in recoil between the 3 and 3 1/2 inch shells. So far I can't knock this shotgun for any reason. Can't wait for Crane season!