Inertia shotguns: 3in. vs 3.5in.

W

wcat

Regular
GunNutz
Rating - 100%
199   0   0
Location
Gaspe
Hi,
I was wondering if, on an inertia driven semi-auto shotgun, if the buffer springs are the same for a 3 inches chambered gun versus a 3.5 inches chambered one.

I'm asking, because I may be getting one in an unknown future, and although I don't REALLY need a 3.5 chamber for the planned use, it's could be more versatile to have a gun that can shoot all length of shells. But on the other hand, I plan to shoot a lot of target loads with it, so maybe the 3 inches guns is more likely to reliably cycle light loads if the buffer springs are softer.

Any ideas?
 
If you plan to shoot a lot of light target loads, a gas operated gun is a better choice. If you must have an inertia operated gun, a 3" gun would be the better choice.
 
Agreed with above. Ive seen alot of 3.5" inertia guns fail to cycle light loads. Gun positioning alone can cause cycling issues. A 3" would be a better choice. 3.5" 12ga shells are over rated. Over priced. Offer more recoil and muzzle rise. If i want to use a 3.5" shell i grab one of my 10ga guns. Ive never been left wanting on the lakes shooting divers and geese with even 2.75" shells. 3" is all youll ever need
 
WCAT, please consider that 3.5" shell capability does NOT make a shotgun more more versatile, it makes it more SPECIALIZED. Kinda like driving your one ton diesel dual wheel crew cab pickup to the grocery store to buy some milk and eggs. You can do it but at the cost of something that is ungainly, harder to handle, and more expensive. While such vehicle is perfect for heavy duty service, hauling large trailer loads in a industrial or farming situation, it is not ideal or even handy for anything else. If you really, really need to stretch your range on waterfowl to 5-10 yards more than the next guy, and you are a good enough shot to take advantage of that small extension of range capabilities, buy one. If not, buy a truly versatile shotgun. 2-3/4' shell length is versatile, and capable for 90% of all shotgunning. 3" shells are a little bit extra for turkey hunting, some varmint shooting like coyotes and for steel shot / waterfowl. 3.5" guns are an answer to a problem that very few hunters ever really had, but many seem to imagine while shopping for a new gun.
 
I think a 3” chambered gas gun is far the better choice for for your usage. Gas guns like the Browning Maxus 3” are so easy on your shoulder shooting a flat on the Skeet or Sporting fields. I can’t take that number of targets with a recoil or inertia operating system.
 
Well, maybe try a 3 1/2" pump instead of a semi. You can train inertia trigger set on those which may be closer to your planned use.
 
Thanks for the input guys. I was minded for the 3", and I'll go that route. It'll be a truck gun and backup hunting gun, looking at a cheap synthetic stocked rig.

As always, lots of knowledge on this board. :cheers:
 
Last edited:
just a 'late note' - I bought a Girsan semi in 3" last summer. Only about $400 + tx. It cycles target loads just fine, but for HD I got slugs and that caused me to get a LimbSaver butt pad - worth the $50 or so. The inertia action does send more recoil into your shoulder.
 
After breaking in my Stoeger M3500 properly, it cycles everything I’ve put in it. Did 100 3 and 3.5” shells through it, then started using light target loads for clay. Its the best shotgun under 1000$, imo. I use ir just as much as my SBE3, and it shoots just as well as the 3000$ Benelli.

I love my Benelli, but id always recommend the stoeger if you don’t want to break the bank.
 
Apoc81 said:
After breaking in my Stoeger M3500 properly, it cycles everything I’ve put in it. Did 100 3 and 3.5” shells through it, then started using light target loads for clay. Its the best shotgun under 1000$, imo. I use ir just as much as my SBE3, and it shoots just as well as the 3000$ Benelli.

I love my Benelli, but id always recommend the stoeger if you don’t want to break the bank.
Click to expand...

I can't imagine paying $3000 for a SBE3.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom