3 in or 3.5 in chamber

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Chefboubou

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Hi!

I'm trying to decide whether I should get myself a shotgun with a 3 in or 3.5 in chamber. There $200 difference between both models (Browning BPS) and I'm wondering if it is worth it... I don't want to get a 3.5 if I'll never be using 3.5 shells.

I'll be hunting mostly small games up to wild turkeys. I may as well try hunting geese but I'm not sure yet.

Thanks for your input!
 
how did we ever get by with 2/34s in 12 gauge and took a plentiful supply of game with that too- it's only lately that the 3 and 3.5s have been chambered, and it was all 23/4s before that- it's just a way to put more shot in the air - if you miss, you still miss
 
I won't waste my money on paying for a 3.5 12 ga I find there is nothing it can do that 2 3/4 or 3 won't do. If you want pay more for the gun more for the shells and more recoil go for it. And as far as geese goes don't think about it if you miss with 3 inch good chance that 3.5 won't make a difference
 
I have a 3.5" Extrema. I use 3.5 steel BB for geese, as well as #4 buck for coyote, and buckshot (18 pellets per shell) for dogging deer. I use 3.5" turkey loads too. It works great. It's not going to make you more accurate as mentioned, or extend your range really, but hits are pretty effective. It will digest 2 3/4" shells too, but if I want to go light, I use a 16ga.
People like to bash on the 3.5 guns and shells. I am a fan. They kick in fixed breach guns though.
 
I use a 20 gauge for all Waterfowl and when I did use a 12, I only used 2-3/4" shells. 3.5" won't make you a better shot and it has considerably more recoil.
 
I had a 3.5" shotgun once and found that I could shoot just as many geese with a 3" shell. Now I mostly use 2 3/4. The odd time I still go goose hunting with 3" shells just because I have some left. I haven't bought any in years.
 
bp2626 said:
I use a 20 gauge for all Waterfowl and when I did use a 12, I only used 2-3/4" shells. 3.5" won't make you a better shot and it has considerably more recoil.
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Never fails...these threads always descend into the above...

Wait long enough and someone who uses a 410 for capercaillie will show up...
 
t-star said:
how did we ever get by with 2/34s in 12 gauge and took a plentiful supply of game with that too- it's only lately that the 3 and 3.5s have been chambered, and it was all 23/4s before that- it's just a way to put more shot in the air - if you miss, you still miss
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And it was 2-1/2 inch before the 2-3/4 too.
Lots of geese have been killed with three inch magnums using steel shot and other non toxic shot as well.
But, that becomes real pricey shooting those specialty shells.
Buy 3 inch clambering and you are good to go, but has been pointed out if your buddies run out of the 3-1/2 shells they will be shooting yours too.
Best Regards,
Rob
 
I own a versa-max and I have nothing against the 3.5" shell. As Dilly pointed out it has uses. I'm just personally against using the 3.5" shell in a pump. Been there done that, don't ever need to do it again.

Part of the problem I have when it comes to steel shot specifically is finding anything over 1 1/8oz of steel for the 3" or 2 3/4". I prefer 1 1/4-1 3/8oz of steel at 1300 over 1 1/8oz at 1500fps but I'll be damned if I can ever find em round here.
 
I purchased an SX-3 with a 3-1/2" chamber because it was all that the store had left on clearance. I have never fired a a 3-1/2" round through it, and I never will. I would never pay $100 extra for the 3-1/2" chamber, let alone $200 extra.
 
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