Thoughts on new semi?

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Quackman

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OK I've had my trusty 1187 for 21 years now, first year of the black synthetic stock, while it does not need to be replaced, I hunt to much and gave my back up (Winchester 120) to my cousin for passing his hunting/PAL test. This leaves me with a a trusty gun that has seen 40,000 + shells, so a back-up or rather a possible replacement needs to come. Questions are:

I shoot geese and turkey, do I need a 3.5", is a 3.5 really that much better than a 3"?

My choices are Versamax 3.5 or Maxis 3.5, however I've heard a lot about the Winchester SX3 3.5", I will likely be going black syn with 26". Any thoughts comment appreceiated. Oh I hunt anything from doves to deer, with that being said the old 1187 is not being retired!
 
win x 3 and browning sliver are basically the same gun IMO but x3 is cheaper I have sliver and it has been used hard for about 6 years barely cleaned and shot clays with it no problem. IMO if I had to buy another Id get the x3 as I save little bit to buy shells to enjoy it!
 
I prefer the SX3,but I just bought a Versamax for a backup gun, because of the great sale price below. There is also a $100 mail in rebate on the Versamax, and Versamax Sportsman.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1118475-Preseason-Shotgun-Sale

You don't need 3-1/2" shells to kill geese. If the birds aren't falling, either they are too far away, or you aren't placing your patterns on the birds. You will get far more benefit from shooting skeet or sporting clays before the season, than you will by going to 3-1/2" shells. I have been in on shoots where some people are using a box or more of shells for an eight bird limit, and it's their poor shooting, that causes this.
 
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3" is all you need. In fact I drop more geese with 2.75" BB then my buddies do with 3.5" bb loads
Why pay more money for more muzzle blast more recoil slower recovery time and a longer action that may or may not cycle light target loads? I do have 3x 3.5" guns in 12 ga still but rarely use anything bigger then 3"
When I feel the need for a 3.5" shell I grab one of my 10s
Pattern density and position are what kills. Not the length of action. I find for ducks I use #4 Remington sportsman and it works just fine
 
I hear what you're saying I've done quite well with my 1187 special purpose. I always mention to the wife 'it's not the length of action' too! But if I'm getting a new one, why not 3.5 to have the versitility? I think I'm going with the Maxis, heading to Etobicoke (1.5 h) right now as the Sail store there has a 26". The SX3 will really have to impress to beat the Maxis.
 
Maxus is a great gun and you are looking at some of the better out there. I know a few guys who hunt out of layouts in fields a lot who felt the mag cut off lever on the maxus was too large and kept getting caught up on the blinds, so the had to modify them. That is the only complaint I have heard from them.
What ever one feels best will serve you well.
I have a 3 1/2" gun and I don't shoot those roman candles in it often, in fact completely gave them up 3 years ago. It does make the action slightly longer on most semi's but not enough to truly notice. I'd take the 3" gun for cheaper and invest the difference in shells, camo, blinds, calls or decoys depending on what I felt the need for but that is just my opinion based on my feelings. If the 3 1/2" gun was on sale for cheaper or used but in good condition and cheaper I would grab it with both hands and be just as happy.
 
All i can say is that i adore my SX3. Ive bought and sold many shottys over the years, and i fully intend to find out if i can wear that gun out in my lifetime. if not, ill be buried with that gun!
 
Well I bought the maxis 3.5" 26" in matte black. All in all it was $1150.23 out the door. Did have some cycling issues when trying it on the do-all-outdoors aerial assult 3.0, but after a through cleaning and hand cycling (bought 60-70 times) the gun then went through the light loads no problem. Another guy had the wood finish maix brandnew too, his cycled flawlessly. I still shoot better with the 1187, so I think I'll keep the maxis as back up.
 
SX3 is where my money would go. I have a Baikal auto and would buy another but this one is tank tough. See if you can shoulder a few & go from there. Fit is #1. If shooting over decoys 3 1/2 might be a hindrance rather than a plus. A good pattern at 30 yds. is what you want. A 2 3/4 tight pattern & shoot them in the face will drop geese just fine.
 
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