Looking for 3.5 semi auto

A day spent at the patterning board checking shotshell patterns will show you that 3.5 inch shells are practically a gimmick. They dont put more shot in the pattern than a good 3 inch. Where the extra is going idk but not where you want it to go. And most definatly pattern your guns with the chokes your gonna use with all the ammo you use. Especially the bigger shot sizes. Smaller stuff almost everything does well.
 
I compared 3 inch no2 to 3.5 inch no2 last season and my success rate improved drastically with 3.5s. Also my choke is designed for 3.5 specifically so it's no brainer for me, 3.5 all season long...
 
the spank said:
My choice would be stay away from 3.5" unless you purchase a case of Tylenol for the concussion headaches you'll get from the excessive recoil...
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Exactly what I am thinking.

And if you can't kill em with 3", you're not gonna kill em with 3.5".
 
vpsalin said:
I compared 3 inch no2 to 3.5 inch no2 last season and my success rate improved drastically with 3.5s. Also my choke is designed for 3.5 specifically so it's no brainer for me, 3.5 all season long...
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Did you compare identical loads in 3" and 3.5"? Did you try 3" again after the 3.5"? It's very possible that you have figured out wingshooting better since trying the 3.5". As far as choke goes, the patterns can vary more among 3" loads, than going from 3" to 3.5".
 
vpsalin said:
The a400 extreme plus camo was 1869$ on sale. Some stores sell it at MSRP 2750$. I also have a patternmaster goose choke on order. You're a blessing brybenn, thanks again!!
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I knew it was a good sale I just couldn't remember the details. I thought about it but I don't use 3.5 shells and I already have a 1301 comp that I've been using for everything. Hope it works out for you
 
vpsalin said:
Thanks for sharing!! I placed my order. Great deal ����
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You are going to love the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus!!!!! I just got one this year as well. Recoil with the 3.5" shells is nothing like my hugely heavy (with steel recoil reducer) Stoeger M3500 inertia driven cannon, and my lighter, Benelli Super Vinci, inertia driven cannon, both of which can't shoot 2 3/4" target loads.

It is a one shotgun gun, if there ever was one in my opinion. I shoot 3.5" #4's for ducks, through a Carlson's Cremator Ported extended long range choke tube. You should see the pattern difference just shooting the odd cripple on the water, over people shooting 3" #4's with the stock chokes they have in their guns. More pellets in the air means better patterns at all ranges!!!!

I don't go through enough shells in a season for the added price to be anything to consider. I only shoot a couple boxes a year for ducks.

Now go out and try shooting 3, 3.5" rounds in the 870, then try the same rounds in the A400 right after! You won't believe the difference!!!

My buddy was shooting my 3" Benelli Ultralight beside me with 3" #4''s, and he was complaining about recoil as it is inertia, and REALLY light. It's basically an upland gun where you don't shoot much, and with smaller, less powerful upland loads. I handed him the A400 and he used the same 3" ammo in it and he couldn't believe how soft shooting it was! He will probably buy one next year when the sales come out again.

Cheers,

Ian
 
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Smitsauce said:
You are going to love the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus!!!!! I just got one this year as well. Recoil with the 3.5" shells is nothing like my hugely heavy (with steel recoil reducer) Stoeger M3500 inertia driven cannon, and my lighter, Benelli Super Vinci, inertia driven cannon, both of which can't shoot 2 3/4" target loads.

It is a one shotgun gun, if there ever was one in my opinion. I shoot 3.5" #4's for ducks, through a Carlson's Cremator Ported extended long range choke tube. You should see the pattern difference just shooting the odd cripple on the water, over people shooting 3" #4's with the stock chokes they have in their guns. More pellets in the air means better patterns at all ranges!!!!

I don't go through enough shells in a season for the added price to be anything to consider. I only shoot a couple boxes a year for ducks.

Now go out and try shooting 3, 3.5" rounds in the 870, then try the same rounds in the A400 right after! You won't believe the difference!!!

My buddy was shooting my 3" Benelli Ultralight beside me with 3" #4''s, and he was complaining about recoil as it is inertia, and REALLY light. It's basically an upland gun where you don't shoot much, and with smaller, less powerful upland loads. I handed him the A400 and he used the same 3" ammo in it and he couldn't believe how soft shooting it was! He will probably buy one next year when the sales come out again.

Cheers,

Ian
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No more shot in the air doesn't mean better patterns at all ranges. Having actually patterned several 3" and 3.5" loads, with multiple chokes, my best patterns were with 3" Fasteel, with Briley extended LM best to 35-40 yards, and the Patternmaster Code Black Goose past 40 yards. The 3.5" threw more shot, but patterns were not as uniform, as with the 3". And comparing 3.5" with a specialty choke to 3" with a factory choke, isn't much of a comparison, the choke makes far more difference that the extra shot.
 
The a400 extreme+ shoots so softly it's insane. The 3.5 loads feel like 2 3/4 20GA loads. My mind is blown.
 
vpsalin said:
The a400 extreme+ shoots so softly it's insane. The 3.5 loads feel like 2 3/4 20GA loads. My mind is blown.
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Want to blow your mind pick up an a400 xplor 28ga. Amazing lil gun 1oz loads from it and it'll do everything a 12 can do with lead shot minus buck shot loads. #6 steel it's great on dove and bismuth it's hell on ducks to and it weighs just a touch over 5lbs. I have the 12 20 and 28 xplors as well as a 1301 comp. That's the reason I knew you would love the a400 action
 
Its funny, in the duck blind, I don't even notice the 3.5in shells. Then I'll shoot them for fun at something or pattern them and WOW haha.
 
I have the franchi affinity elite as well. It has shot lights out for the last year. It takes a beating well. The cerakote on the elite is a nice bonus as are the improved sights. Only problem I had was getting my hands on one!!
 
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