The 11-87s are fine weapons. I've fired several of them with 18 inch barrels and buck, and never had a problem.
One of my best friends switched over to a 20 ga 11-87 when got old enough that the recoil of his lightweight Browning O/U 12 ga got a little uncomfortable.
You couldn't pry that 11-87 out of his hands with a crowbar!