Stoeger M3000

[Solus]

Thanks Frank, that's better than the youth stock because I can put a few shins back in summer so that it truly fits.

Tom, you could move to north central Alaska and forget about all that shim stuff?   

[Big Frank]

Or you can wear a shoulder pad in the summer and don't shim it out.

[tombogan03884]

I like Franks idea better, I would make a BAD South Park character.  LOL

[Conagher 45]

Is there a real advantage for 3 1/2" chamber ?
I mostly shoot 2 3/4" and some 3" shells. The crowd I shoot with has a saying "If you can't knock it down with 3" shells a 3 1/2" won't make up for poor marksmanship or poor judgment.

[PegLeg45]

Is there a real advantage for 3 1/2" chamber ?
I mostly shoot 2 3/4" and some 3" shells. The crowd I shoot with has a saying "If you can't knock it down with 3" shells a 3 1/2" won't make up for poor marksmanship or poor judgment.

The only real use I've seen for the 3 1/2" is maybe in duck and goose hunting.

My son has an 870 3 1/2" Magnum, but uses 3" for duck hunting and 2 3/4" for everything else. I don't know if he's ever used a 3 1/2" shell. Like you said earlier, it might be nice to have the option.

I agree that shooting ability can't be overcome by firepower.

I don't own any 3 1/2" chambered shotguns, and only have two guns that will use 3"..... but the same rules apply across the board.....by doing so, I would have to give up a round in capacity..... and there's not enough difference in performance (from what I've experienced in my own shooting) to warrant the use of longer shells. I'd rather have eight than seven...even if the seven are slightly more powerful. Everything has an intended use.......in hunting, power may be a slight advantage over capacity....in a SD scenario, a 2 3/4" 12ga will more than fill the requirements, so capacity is everything.

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

I have to disagree a little.
I don't see any great advantage in the 3 different sizes, BUT, I would rather have the 31/2 chamber so that I could use any ammo available, regardless of preference.

[Big Frank]

The only real reason for the 3-1/2" 12 gauge existing is for shooting steel shot that takes up more room in the shell than an equal weight of lead shot. You need a magnum load of steel shot for waterfowl. 3" or 2-3/4" shells will handle everything else and do so with less recoil.

[TAB]

3.5" shells kick like a mule...  no need for them

[tombogan03884]

Never tried a shot she'll, but a 31/2 slug will set you back. 

[PegLeg45]

I have to disagree a little.
I don't see any great advantage in the 3 different sizes, BUT, I would rather have the 31/2 chamber so that I could use any ammo available, regardless of preference.

The only problem I have encountered on some older guns is feeding issues when using different lengths. Some guns like one length more than others.
A good friend of mine had a 12 ga Remington with a 3 1/2" chamber and that was all it would shoot without feeding issues. He couldn't reliably shoot the 2 3/4" shells.