Shotgun 3.5" vs. 3"

[TCB]

Starting to get into duck and goose hunting. From what I read the only advantage in 3.5" shells are more pellets. Aside from extra pellets, any value in having a 3.5" vs. 3"?

I know 3" ammo is significantly cheaper than 3.5".

[oktx]

Not that I’ve found. 3” is plenty.

[glen]

I shoot 2 3/4 when **** hunting

[Low Fence]

I shoot 2 3/4 when **** hunting

Too easy. I’m not gonna

3” shells for me. No need in bigger and all we have tested patterned worse anyway

[eastxhunter]

Candlesticks are pointless

[bboswell]

I fell for the 3-1/2" hype back in the 90's when I was guiding duck and goose hunts, after one season shooting 3-1/2's I went back to 3" for ducks and geese and have never looked back.

[tdwinklr]

no, not this thread question again ...

[Honker]

I like 3.5", but in the 10 ga variety.

[topwater blowup]

3.5 is the shortest shell they sell for a 10 gauge.

[Take Dead Aim]

I shoot 2 3/4 when **** hunting

Take his advise. One of the best **** hunters around.

[HunterU]

I shoot 3"

i would buy like a box or 2 of 3.5" and would carry and handful and if I seen geese coming in I would put the 3.5" in if the seemed like they were going to commit.

[DUKFVR]

3 in is plenty. Less recoil & normally will pattern better than a 3 1/2 in shell. A lot of 3 1/2 in guns will not shoot 1 oz loads as reliable as a 3 inch gun if you want to shoot clays etc.
The MAIN thing is get the gun that feels & fits the best to you. Less felt recoil & you will hit better with it.
Good luck on your decision!

[Playa]

Never had a need for 3.5.


I can’t hit them with 2-3/4, 3 or 3.5 :

[ACbob]

no, not this thread question again ...

You clicked on it, brother.

[J.B.]

whole point of 3.5" was for steel shot....more payload with lighter steel pellets, with viable and affordable options for heavier non-tox metals they really aren't necessary. Plus they hurt LOL