Tech question: 870 chamber/barrel size

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3030AT30

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I have an 870 Express Super Magnum capable of handling 2 3/4, 3 and 3 1/2 inch shells. I currently have the factory 30" barrel on but want to change the barrel out to a 14" (if I can find one!).

In my search for the shorter barrel, I see that they are listed as being chambered (sorry if that's the wrong term) for 3". Will that barrel not work for 3 1/2" also? And if not, why not? Is it that the shorter barrel necks down to it's terminal diameter sooner and therefore won't accept the longer shell?

I'm rather new to shotguns and the interchangeability of the barrels, so go easy on me!

Thanks for any insight.
 
3inch barrels will fit your 3.5 inch gun.but don't shoot 3.5 inch shells in the 3 inch barrel. You can shot both 2.75 inch and 3 inch .3.5 inch chamber barrels have a longer chamber and longer forcing cone.some are even back bored to help with recoil. .only shot shells that the barrel allows...
 
If the barrel is stamped 3", it will only accept 3" and smaller. Doesn't matter whether your reciever can handle 3.5" or not. The chamber has been cut to accept a 3" once it's been fired, too short for 3.5".

Hope that clears it up.
 
Shotgun shells are measured by how long they are after they're fired. A 3.5" shell won't open fully in a 3" chamber and the pressure may not be able to find a proper escape route through the front of the shell because the pellets get all bound up in the smaller-than-average opening. It'll at the very least beat up your bolt when the gas shoves the base of the shell backward before everything else works itself out. Good luck, and I'm sure someone will come by and correct me soon.
 
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