With a gun that light in 12 ga. recoil could be an issue unless you stick with some lower velocity loads. I think you can rule out any 3 inchers. I'd try shooting it "as is" and see what you think before cutting it. You're only talking about 3/8's of an inch. It's not a cheap gun so I'd give it careful thought be for cutting it. However, if you plan to keep the gun for the long haul I'd make it comfortable for you to shoot. But I'd still shoot it "as is" for awhile to make sure it's a gun you want to keep.