Author Topic: 3" versus 3.5" in 12 gauge? (Read 943 times)

His lordship. · « **on:** November 05, 2003, 07:48:39 AM »

I am looking into adding another shotgun, possibly to use on turkey hunting, etc. I thought I needed a 3.5" chambered gun to really hit and reach out, but Greybeard had stated on the GB chatroom that he used a shotgun chambered for 3", using a 2 ounce shot with good results. This has gotten me to thinking about it. :?

I checked Remington's site for an example and they say the following stats...3" runs 1175 in velocity using a 2 ounce shot. 3.5" runs 1210 or 1150 velocity using a 2 1/4 ounce shot. With the 1/4 ounce extra in 3.5" is it really all that much of an advantage over the 3"? Could I get overall very good results to use a 3" chambered shotgun instead, especially since the 3" shotguns are cheaper to buy and lighter to carry too?

Thanks.

PA-Joe · « **Reply #1 on:** November 05, 2003, 08:01:25 AM »

If you pattern your gun and know where it will hit, there is no need for a 3" chamber. You can also use fast steel.

BH · « **Reply #2 on:** November 05, 2003, 09:38:16 AM »

Chris,

If you plan to shoot those cannon rounds be sure you get a heavy enough gun to tame them down a little. A friend brought over his new Browning BPS to check the pattern before this last springs turkey season. Unfortunately he let me shoot one of those 3 1/2" loads. I can't tell you exactly how much the gun weighed but I can tell you it wasn't enough.

Bob

tony212 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 05, 2003, 10:50:32 AM »

Through the years many turkeys have fallen to the 3" 12 ga. Turkeys are not any tougher than they were before. :grin: Getting them to came that coupple of yards closer is what turkey hunting is all about.

Bob_K · « **Reply #4 on:** November 06, 2003, 04:13:25 AM »

I have a 12ga/3.5" and tend to agree that it is not a significant advantage for turkeys. It comes more into play in waterfowling and steel shot. Even that advantage is minimal when you compare it to 3" HeviShot loads, based on my observed performance. The good news is that my 11-87 will shoot the shorter 3" loads with no problem, so I have choices on ammo.