I installed the Benelli mercury-filled counter weight in the stock butt before I went hunting at Reelfoot this week.
This modification, combined with going to 3" shells, made a 100% improvement. I was able to shoot comfortably without gloves and no further pain in the middle finger from the trigger guard!
A heck of a lot more fun to shoot this trip. I do have a some 3 1/2" shells on hand, so I may give them another try.