12ga 3 1/2" question

[paul63]

I just bought a 12ga, 3 1/2" full choke, 22" barrel from the classifieds and this is my question. Is OK to shoot 3" & 2 3/4" shell in it? I really think it won't harm anything, but I want to check with ya'll before doing anything. This is my 1st H&R shotgun, so I'm not familiar with it. I shot it for the 1st time yesterday, using 3 1/2" 00 buckshot. At 30yds it had 17 out of 18 pellets in a 24" circle, with 9 within 12". Does that appear normal? Thanks, Paul

[swissfan]

Yes, you can shoot 2-3/4" or 3" shells through it.  I asked the same question about a year ago and have since shot all three shells throught it.

[paul63]

Thanks. I figured it would be OK. It would be kinda dumb to only be able to shoot 3 1/2" through it.

[myarmor]

...and 3 1/2 shells out of a 22" Full Choke barrel in a light gun makes for a stinger thats for sure. Have fun with the smaller/shorter shells.






-Aaron

[paul63]

I'm 6'3", 250lbs, so I can absorb alot of recoil, but my step-son walked around with a "dead" arm for a day after 2 shots. I'm only using it for hogs, maybe deer.

[myarmor]

I didn't mean to say you couldn't take it, I am about the same size as well.
I went out shooting with my friend and took along my little synthetic stocked 12ga. I fired a couple off and he wanted to give it a go..so I loaded up some of the 2 3/4, no problem he took it well, then I slided in a 3 1/2 slug he almost dropped the gun and doubled over in pain he is 5' 7 and probably 160   
I warned him.

[Foggy]

myarmor
find a gunsmith  that can lenthen the forcing cone it will help the 2 3/4 shells pattern a bit better in that long chamber
Foggy

[maglvr44]

I just bought a 12ga, 3 1/2" full choke, 22" barrel from the classifieds and this is my question. Is OK to shoot 3" & 2 3/4" shell in it? I really think it won't harm anything, but I want to check with ya'll before doing anything. This is my 1st H&R shotgun, so I'm not familiar with it. I shot it for the 1st time yesterday, using 3 1/2" 00 buckshot. At 30yds it had 17 out of 18 pellets in a 24" circle, with 9 within 12". Does that appear normal? Thanks, Paul

If you haven't done so already, pop the recoil pad off and remove the sissy stick and let it really rock and roll!
Not to mention it will be wayyyyyyyyyyyy faster to get on target and carry a lot nicer!

[paul63]

I don't mind recoil, truth is, in a hunting rifle or shotgun I like a good solid recoil. Maybe I'm just weird or it's all in my head, but my feeling is if it kicks the hell out of me, then it will knock the sh** out of whatever I'm shooting at.

[streak]

Now that is a good analogy!!