In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

3 1/2" vs. 3" shotgun shells

MagicmMagicm Member Posts: 2 ✭✭
edited September 2002 in General Discussion
I'm looking to buy a new 12 guage shotgun that I will use for duck hunting and maybe some goose. Is it worth the extra money to buy one that shoots 3 1/2" shell or should I save the money and but one that shoots 3" shells?
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • interstatepawnllcinterstatepawnllc Member Posts: 9,390
    edited November -1
    Depends how big a boy you are. If you don't go at least 6.0' and 220 I would stay away from the 3.5's unless of course you happen to be a masochist.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • laxcoachlaxcoach Member Posts: 1,296 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    For ducks at reasonable range with today's steel and other non-toxic shot, you'll be O.K. with a 3". For geese, shoot the 3-1/2", but, as interstatepawnllc says, be prepared to pay the price! I'd suggest that you first shoot a box of 3-1/2" lead shells---these will kill all the nerve endings in your shoulder, and you won't have a problem anymore.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nelchrisnelchris Member Posts: 557 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you hunt over decoys 3 inch is fine.I have a SxS that takes both that I have had for it for 2 years and shot it plenty but have never used a 3 1/2 but I always can.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would go with the 3/12 inch Magnum,it seems to have a big edge over the 3 inch.And as stated above you can shoot 2/34 in and 3in shells as well.

    Best!!

    Rugster


    Toujours Pret
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Richie RichRichie Rich Member Posts: 439 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If it is job specific like water fowl or even turkey and that is it I would go with a 10 ga. I picked up a Browning camo bps on gb for like 385.00

    Remember,"your woman may not find you handsome, But atleast she'll find ya handy". I love that show..............
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Harleeman1030Harleeman1030 Member Posts: 1,505 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have duck hunted for a few years now i am from louisiana and have yet to see any more knock down with the 3 1/2...If your goose hunting it might be diff. but i see no need to kill your shoulder for nothing.
    I hunt with 12 guy's we all shoot 3"
    STEEL SHOT SUCKS YES FOLKS YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST

    Try the new hevi shot first before you go to 3 1/2 sheels

    NRA MEMBER
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Warpig883Warpig883 Member Posts: 6,459
    edited November -1
    Harleeman1030 is right. I have a 3 1/2 in a Benelli Nova and hunt geese all the time with my dad who shoots his 3" guns. He kills just as many if not more geese than I do. Plus the 3 1/2" shells are very expensive.

    If you really want to be effective shoot a 3" gun and use Hevi-Shot 2 3/4 for ducks and 3' for geese. You will be ahead in the long run with this combination.


    As far as the recoil of 3 1/2. It is not that bad. No worse than a high powered rifle. I used the recoil reducer in my Nova and took it out cause it just made the gun heavy. I have heard the Mosberg 835 kicks like a mule with 3 1/2" shells though. But if you are used to shooting a shotgun or big rifle a 3 1/2" shell will not bother you.

    moc.murofsmraerifeht
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • reel-guyreel-guy Member Posts: 46 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have hunted waterfowl since 1968. I moved to North Dakota and the hunting for both ducks and geese is among the best in the USA.

    I have killed a lot of snows with 2 3/4" shells!!

    If money is not an object go with a Benelli SBE 3 1/2". But if money is a concern a 3" is more than plenty for snows. Remember they are seldom over 6 or 7 pounds and often under that.

    For ducks a 2 3/4" is plenty. Especially over decoys.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you can't kill it with a 3" at the most, it was out of range. I take canadian geese and all ducks with 2 3/4" shells and occasionaly a 3". Spend time at the clay range, and use the correct choke, and the big shells are not necessary. Now, as far as resale value, there will always be the guys who will jump on your used 3 1/2" gun, so that should be considered as well. It is a matter of personal choice I think. I will do without the pounding on my shoulder and my wallet. I don't go hungry with 2 3/4" and 3" shells. I took my turkey this year at 49yds with a 3" shell and the correct choke. Either way, enjoy the duck hunt. There is nothing like the sunrise over a snow covered salt marsh, I can't hardly wait.

    A great rifle with a junk scope,....is junk.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.