What works for me, what works for you, and what ends up working for the OP will likely all be different. I don’t think it is recoil that causes my flinch, but, it is much improved by using the 20 gauge gas gun that has almost no recoil. Nobody ever referred to an 1100 as svelte, and perhaps the extra bulk and heft are helpful as well.

I don’t know why, but, I do know it helps. Me anyway.

Good luck.

Best,

Ted