I am recoil sensitive. I hate it! I can shoot around moderate recoil on a rifle or a shotgun, but don't see any advantage that recoil offers. Recoil tolerance is certainly not a testosterone tester or a measure of manhood. I wish a 30-06 or a 12 gauge recoiled like a .22, then I would be a great shooter!
I'm rapidly approaching 75 YOA, and love all the modern technology that has kept firearms affordable and lighter for carrying around. I love plastic guns. Carried one in combat and never longed to tote a wood and steel M 14.
Steel is fine, but aside from appearance, offers little in advantage over composite. For example, my Star BM 9 posted below, blue steel, weighs 34 oz, loaded. My Sig 365 loaded with a couple more rounds, weighs 23. And both are accurate enough and fire the same cartridge.
How this applies to shotguns is a little premature, as most are made with traditional designs going back to the late 19th century, and nothing so far seems like it would be a good substitute for steel. And shotguns aren't all that heavy to begin with. But a whole lot of tactical shotguns have plastic stocks, so maybe the shift is happening, a little at a time. For stocks, it's cheaper and stronger than wood.
I'm sure they're great for home defense, possibly unsurpassed for that role, but outside the home, I think their practicality diminishes. Can't see carrying one for SD outside your home or property.
And I won't spend a lot of money for a home-only bedroom SD weapon, since I only spend about 8 hours there in my bedroom daily. I only paid $190 for my S&W pump, which is why I bought it.
However, to each his/her own, since self defense is a personal choice.
