Winscester SX3, 3" or 3.5" chambering?

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BlakeFst

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I'm looking at getting a Winchester SX3 and don't know whether to ger a 3" chamber or a 3.5" chamber. I'm looking for opinions. Thanks.
 
What are you planning to use it for? If you are going to be waterfowling, then the 3.5" may be a consideration, however many people chose not to use 3.5" foe various reasons. If you are just using it for clays or grouse, there is no need to be able to have ability to use 3.5" shells, however the system in my SX2 handles anything you feed it from the lightest 2 3/4 target load to 3.5" without a hitch.

When I was looking for my SX2, I looked at it like horsepower in a truck. You may not always need the capability of a 6L V8, but when you do it's there. Same goes for the 3.5" shells. I only occasionally use them, but when the geese are staying further out, or the ducks aren't decoying well, I can drop a shot size and keep the same pellet count by moving up to a 3.5" shell.

Just my $0.02
 
I've got a 870 with 3.5 capabilities, and have only fired 8 rounds of 3.5 in 3 seasons. I like the capability but only rarely use it. Is it necessary not at all, but if it were me and they were both the same price I'd just view it as extra options for free.
 
I have used both the 3 inch and 3.5 inch for waterfowl and am definately convinced that a 3 inch shell is definately enough to kill all geese and ducks within a reasonable range. I just find that the extra shoulder punch of the 3.5 inch shell annoying. I used to have a win SX2 and wish i had it back. I use a super black eagle 2 now and with the 3.5 shells (federal black cloud) the thing is a mule. I will be going back to 3 inch shells this fall! Call me a wimp but i dont want to be anticipating pain instead of concentrating on shot placement. Just my two cents.
 
i havent shot anything but 3.5" shells for the last 5 years. recoil sucked in my pump gun but it aint no thang in my mossberg 935 so I liking that. also i use it exclusively for water fowling
 
I plan on using it for mostly clays, some grouse and waterfowl, maybe even the odd slug. I have zero experience with the difference in "effectiveness" between the 3 and 3.5" for any type of shooting. Keep the reply's coming.
 
benelli one said:
I have used both the 3 inch and 3.5 inch for waterfowl and am definately convinced that a 3 inch shell is definately enough to kill all geese and ducks within a reasonable range. I just find that the extra shoulder punch of the 3.5 inch shell annoying. I used to have a win SX2 and wish i had it back. I use a super black eagle 2 now and with the 3.5 shells (federal black cloud) the thing is a mule. I will be going back to 3 inch shells this fall! Call me a wimp but i dont want to be anticipating pain instead of concentrating on shot placement. Just my two cents.
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When the birds are coming in, pain is the last thing you should be noticing. Patterning can be a ##### though.
 
win

BlakeFst said:
I plan on using it for mostly clays, some grouse and waterfowl, maybe even the odd slug. I have zero experience with the difference in "effectiveness" between the 3 and 3.5" for any type of shooting. Keep the reply's coming.
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My take is the 3" would serve you well. I must know at least a dozen guys that bought the 3 1/2's and either sold them before the 2nd season or shoot 3" only in them. I am fairly confident that they (3.5's) were brought out just to sell more guns. I've tested them against the 3" shells within the same brand and saw little difference. There was some noticeable difference between "run of the Mill" and premium ammo. For the most part, we gunners are a strange lot -- we go out and buy a good gun and spend $2000.00 or so for it and then shoot the cheapest s**t ammo in it and expect it to perform. Many makers instructions suggest shooting premium ammo to insure reliability.
OMHO
Cheers!
 
Thanks for the reply's so far. Keep them coming the more the better. For more information as well, the cost difference around here is ~$200-$300 dollars additional for the 3.5" chamber.
 
a fellow shotgunner who i consider an expert on anything to do with shooting swears by 2.3/4 shells for all his shooting . this includes geese ducks deer and the shooting range . a 3.5 shell will rock you and i see no need for it .borrow a gun and shoot some of these roman candles and you will see what i mean .
 
3" is all that is needed. I traded a 3 1/2" Browning Gold to get a 3" Gold and have never regretted it. When I'm shooting in close over decoys I drop in 2 3/4" shells. If the ducks are a little shy, put in 3" high velocity shells for that little extra bit of reach, and when I'm going for geese I use 3" Federal Black Cloud. Spend a little extra on good shells and you'll never have to worry about using a 3" gun.
 
If you plan on hunting Geese a fair bit, I would opt for the 3 1/2", otherwise 3" or 2 3/4" will work for you, although I am not impressed with steel shot loads in 2 3/4" shells.
 
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