Best bang for the buck - any decent quality budget-friendly 3.5 inch 12 gauge?

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Astute Observer

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As the title says, I'm looking for recommendations for a decent quality, budget friendly 3.5" 12 gauge for hunting geese or ducks this autumn. Really want the 3.5" to maximize my chance of a lethal hit high up in flight

Any suggestions? Saw the Benelli Nova and Winchester XSP for around $550. Haven't seen any 870s or 500s in that price range.

It also be good with a O/U break action, if only Mossberg made the maverick in 3.5" - any other recommendations?
 
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If you want the parts interchangeability of the 870 platform, try looking for an earlier model 870 super mag. I’ve handled later model ones and built quality is less than stellar.

If you don’t intend to interchange barrels or swap stocks, my vote is for the Benelli Nova. Build quality is superb for the price, and lots of aftermarket chokes available. The plastic overmould frame/stock means nothing to worry about if the gun gets wet.
 
The mossberg 535 come up for around that price depending what barrels come with it

I believe Churchill makes the best bang for the buck over under in 3.5"

If you truly feel the need for 3.5" shells for sky busting go with the 10ga
 
With the price of ammo I think you would be well advised to spend money on decoys. Bring them in close and shoot them in the beak! I have shot some 3&1/2 shells but only because they were on clearance a couple years ago. They have no advantage to my hunting. What ever way you go make sure the gun fits. It’s said a lot but also over looked lots. Find someone that can help you learn about fit, it is worth the time. Pays big dividends in the long game. Good luck.
 
You would be further ahead to buy a better quality 3" gun. Very seldom you need 3.5". Cheap and over under don't go in the same sentence. Affordable cz or huglu are good quality sxs and over unders. Often times semis come up almost as cheap as some pumps. I've heard good things about the Turkish benelli clones. Can't say for sure as I don't own one.
 
You don't really need 3.5 inch which is already stated but you aren't really loosing anything by having it. Myself and others love their SXPs I almost bought an 870 years back but saw way too many jam just shooting low base cheap shells. Not sure what the quality of the new Rem-Arms ones are but I would buy the SXP. You can always upgrade later to a semi or something more expensive. Buy before the fall, shoot some clays, if you hate it buy something else.
 
Hey all, appreciate the advice. I ended up going for a Benelli Supernova second hand, got a very good deal I simply couldn't pass up and price was a massive factor for me. I'm glad I was able to complete the transaction before the 18th.

Cheers all!
 
The 4” chamber would definitely help ones chance of extending the kill range as soon as it’s out I will trade all my 2 3/4” i guns . Keep yours eyes open for some nice guns coming on the market . Sarcasm!!
 
At the local store, 3.5" shells are the only Waterfowl Loads on the shelf. So the guys with the 3.5" guns may be the last one shooting.
 
^^ I was watching a vid yesterday about a guy who decided to get a 3.5, he did so just in case he had to run 3.5. Doesn't hurt, better to have options on hand than not to.

The Franchi Affinity 3.5 looks like a decent option too, ability to mount a pic rail from EGW.
 
MiG25 said:
At the local store, 3.5" shells are the only Waterfowl Loads on the shelf. So the guys with the 3.5" guns may be the last one shooting.
Click to expand...

They’re still on the shelf for a reason!! The only advantage to the 3 1/2” gun is the ability to shoot three different length shells. Gun fit and good patterns in the hands of someone that keeps their head on the stock and follows thru on the shots are what will kill birds. A good pattern in a 20 will kill farther than a poor patterning 12 or 10.
 
Doesn't change the fact that unless you got a 3.5" shotgun, you ain't buying Waterfowl legal shells right here, right now.
 
MiG25 said:
Doesn't change the fact that unless you got a 3.5" shotgun, you ain't buying Waterfowl legal shells right here, right now.
Click to expand...

Seems to be plenty of site sponsors that have 12 gauge 3” ammo available. Some will ship for free if the order is at a certain price point. If it is that hard to find in your area just sell the excess you don’t need to your friends. Cheers
 
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