If you aren't taking shots beyond 40 yards, you aren't killing any geese that you wouldn't kill with 3" loads.
3 1/2 vs 3
- Thread starter m1978
- Start date
If you aren't taking shots beyond 40 yards, you aren't killing any geese that you wouldn't kill with 3" loads.
- Location
- Saskatchewan
I quit using 3" shells some years ago for goose hunting. I normally use good high quality and fast 2-3/4" shells and don't miss the recoil, or expense, of the 3" shells. But goose hunting to me is all about the hunt, not shooting at every goose possible. In my opinion, a 3.5" chambered gun is not more "versatile" it is extremely specialized, in the same way a 1 ton dual wheel diesel pickup is specialized. It will do the heavy jobs better at the same time sacrificing handling, convenience, and cost to operate.
It all depends on which loads and which chokes you use.
To a degree, yes. I'm yet to find a 3 inch waterfowl load that will pattern better than a 3.5 through any of my Carlson's chokes. If other people don't find it's the car with their guns or if they're too sensitive to the recoil they should by all means stock with 3's. I just don't personally have any reason to.
