Recoil difference from Auto-load and pump?

[Duckster]

I took yaws advice about the 870 and went down to the gunshop, but fell for The FN Auto load Police Model at $900. I plan on getting it for my retirement present for myself (22 years Army). I was really leaning towards auto to ease recoil on my Total Shoulder Replacement (Yes, I got clearance from the Doc's), but then I started thinking. I'm sure a longer barrel would be nice if I ever went hunting or skeet shooting (that looks like fun(never done it)) and still good for home defense. Would auto load be that much easier on my shoulder? Are their options for pumps to ease recoil? Do longer barrel still have longer magazine tubes (I didn't see any in the shop)? Also, I was thinking maybe their might be options out there I'm ignorant too.
Any advice, input or suggestions I thank you for in advance.
P.S. less than $900 would make my wife happy too.

 

[Simon Yu]

Recoil pads are readily available for shotguns. I picked up Remington's R3 recoil pad when I got my 870 and despite being only 5'11" and 120 lbs, my shoulder didn't really feel any recoil the first time I went trap shooting (cheek was another matter, still working on mounting). I think it ran me about $30 for this particular pad.

Of course, these recoil pads will also fit semi-automatic shotguns so it's not a pump only game here, people just tend not to be as concerned with recoil from those. You may be a special case though.