Hi, Hairy! I wouldn't look forward to shooting 3" in my Gamecock. But part of the reason I haven't is that I too have a Gold Label. I have shot 3" in that, but only steel 4s for jump shooting puddle ducks back East (and one coyote); haven't got around to finding a CA location for duck hunting yet. My Ruger seems to handle steel 4s just fine as far as patterning (I use IC/M tubes), but I have to admit that I've only taken pretty easy shots with it. It DOES kick and I've had to be extra careful with my gun mounting. The couple of times I got excited over close flushes of Kansas roosters and didn't get the butt where it should go, I got a blue Ruger buttplate printed on my upper arm and shoulder (Later it turned a kind of charming yellowish green like a tornado sky). That was with 2 3/4" hi-base lead 5s. 3" would have been worse. But at least ducks over decoys give you time to do it right and get hold of the gun properly, if I ever find a good place to hunt 'em.
My VB came with a pad (ratty) and I replaced it with a Pachmyer solid red pad that helps. I don't see much need to go to 3" shells unless you get stuck in a pheasant area that doesn't allow lead. Unfortunately I see more of that coming, especially on public land. We all need "bismuth trust funds"!
My VB was imported by Stoeger's in 1967. I got it used from a private party in MI (No coincidence; you guys up there got grouse!). Wood is handsome but not fancy; rest of the gun is very attractive and I can live with the sideplates, although they aren't my favorite feature on a boxlock.
