The Stevens 311's never seemed that heavy or ill handling to me. I have one in 16 gauge choked IC/M {actually a J.C Higgins 101} that I bet I shot 1000 rabbits from in front of my beagles with. It's definitely lighter than my 12 gauge 28" 870. Never had a bit of trouble with it in the 20 some years I've owned it and I shoot it well.
