3 1/2'' Chamber Worth it?

[a1c]

I'm in the market for a new 12 gauge shotgun for waterfowl and upland game.

Everyone from the warden to my buddies tell me that if I'm going to be guy a new shotgun for hunting, I should go for one with a 3 1/2'' chamber. I've basically narrowed it down to a Remington 870 Express Super Mag or Mossberg's 835 Ulti-Mag. Only seems to come with a modified choke though.

But before I get there, is the 3 1/2'' even worth it? Is it a fad, a personal thing, or is it worth it for the extra 10-15 yards when shooting turkey or goose?

[Hayashi Killian]

If you're hunting fowl, 3.5" is a complete waste. 3.5" is only used for huge magnum slugs for taking big game or for permanently damaging your shoulder at the range.

Seriously, you're fine with a 2 3/4" or 3" chamber.

[randy]

Super Nova from Benelli, might not hurt as much.

[twopatch]

go with the rem. or beneili. I had one the first 835's It was ok.But I wore it out after 5-6 seasons. But I killed a lot of birds with it. I would make sure it has a 3.5 in chamber. You don't have to shoot those long shells,But you will be able to. nice for turkey/honkers.

[a1c]

Yes, the Benelli Nova is on my list too. Too bad they don't have it in wood finish, I would have liked that. People seem to like it. Only handled the Supernova so far, feels surprisingly light on recoil an weight.

[freakshow10mm]

The 3.5" 12ga chamber was developed to take advantage of larger payloads of steel shot. The manufacturers try to maximize performance by taking a heavier shot charge a bit faster instead of using lighter shot charges faster than normal. With steel shot, speed kills not weight.

[RobG]

I bought a 935 thinking I would shoot 3.5's. They don't kill any better or any farther than 3's. They do cost 4-7 bucks a box more if thats to your liking. My buddy has a 870 super mag. Have fun shooting 3.5" 1 3/8 oz steel from a pump

[a1c]

Hmmm... The more I look into it, the less I'm convinced it's worth it for now.

I think I'm going to play it safe, forget the 3.5'' shells and get myself a good ole Wingmaster - those are never hard to resell if you ever have to (not that I'm planning on it). Plus, I like wood finish on shotguns, and most 3.5 inchers out there come in synthetic or camo finishes (I'm not sold on the 870 Express Mag, which looks like an oversized Express, nor on the Mossbergs, which seem to get mixed reviews).

Maybe eventually I'll look into semi-auto 3.5 inch chambered shotguns, when I get a bit more money rolling in. Thanks for the feedback, it always helps.

[sevensix2x51]

if i had to get the shot out that far, i'd probably miss anyways.

but im also a cheapskate....

[NRAhighpowershooter]

to me.. the only way a 3.5" chamber comes in handy is if it is a 10ga and you is hunting geeseses......

[duckman1]

The 3.5" was developed to duplicate 10ga performance in a 12 ga gun. If you don't hunt turkey or geese at long range you don't need the 3.5". I shoot a Browing Gold 3.5" and my father shoots a Browing BPS in 3.5" in all honesty his gun hurts when shooting the 3.5"

I use mine for Turkey and Geese and do use the 3.5" for most of my duck hunting I use the 3" shells. If you buy a gun chambered for the 3.5 it will weigh 1-2 lbs more than a 3".

[capitol]

I own a mossy tactical turkey 3.5" and use it with a full choke. It delivers a load your shoulder will not forget.
The recoil isn't similar to someone slugging you in the shoulder its more like a horse kicking you with its hind legs.

I will say it thrashes everything within 50 yards

[jah191]

I own a mossy tactical turkey 3.5" and use it with a full choke. It delivers a load your shoulder will not forget.
The recoil isn't similar to someone slugging you in the shoulder its more like a horse kicking you with its hind legs.

I will say it thrashes everything within 50 yards

shotguns are awesome

[nitrofc]

I own a Mossberg 935 Mag. w/accu mag chokes. Just a matt finish. No frills.
Just used it today.

What ever you do....do not use anything less than a 3" load.
They say you can use a high brass 2-3/4" load's , but not with this gun...it will jam.

Use 3" or 3-1/2" loads and it works flawlessly all day long.
It's got some kick......no doubt about it.

[twopatch]

ask your self... what do I hunt most?.... Ducks? 12 ga.3.5 pump Quail/pheasents 20/12 O/U . I learned to hate that mossberg. busting the brush! now most everything gets a 3" 20!