A quick question about shotguns

[Stoopid Phuck]

Hey fellow CGNers,

I have a possible stupid noob question. I think I know the answer but I want to be sure. I am looking at getting an O/U. I have a couple pumps, but I have always liked Over/unders. I was looking online at a couple and I noticed something. The description says chambered for 3". Now does that mean that you can't use 2 3/4" shells? On one of my pumps the side of the barrel says 2 3/4" & 3" & 3 1/2" the other pump is 2 3/4 and 3. So it made me wonder if you could only shoot a 3" shell out of the O/U? If someone could shed a little light on this for me that would be great.

Thanx

 

[Eddy_bullpoo]

Don't quote me on it. But i'm pretty sure that you can use shells that are shorter then it says on the gun, just not longer... So if the barrel says 3" then any size smaller should be fine.

 

[SNAFU84]

Yes, you can use 2 3/4" shells in a 3" chamber. If you have a shotgun with a 3 1/2" chamber, you can use all lengths. When you start using shells that are longer than the max chamber size, that's when you run the risk of blowing your barrel up. You just can't use different calibers/gauges in the same gun. 12 gauge is for 12 gauge only, 410 for 410 only etc etc.

The size of the shotshell (ie 2 /34", 3" and 3 1/2") is the measurement of the overall length after it has been fired. Always remember that and always check the marking on the shotshell casing. If the shotshell casing markings have faded and you have to measure the round, always remember to add half an inch to compensate for the space the chamber requires. Reason for this is because the chamber needs to be long/big enough to allow the crimping of the shotshell to fully open up without bottle necking in the chamber.


EDIT - Please correct me if any of that is wrong.