pros and cons of 2 3/4 vs. 3" shell?

[Ken O]

I'm looking for some advice on the pros and cons of 2 3/4 vs. 3" shells for 12 ga. self defense. More shells in the mag with 2 3/4, but more 00 pellets in a 3"
thanks, Ken

[jeffrice6]

2 3/4 ~ More shells & less recoil, plus been killing stuff since Christ was a corporal!

[the_t0ny]

3in shells equal more recoil, which will most likely throw off how quickly and accurately your follow up shot will be. At most self defense/home defense distances, 2 3/4 is more than enough to stop an aggressor. If longer distance is possible, I'd invest in a rifle.

[SocomM4]

If you are looking for HD, #1 buck shot is best.


3 inch mags are for game, the recoil is a too violent for tactical/hd use.

[bsg]

2 3/4" buckshot; more rounds, less recoil and faster recovery time.

[reidnez]

A 12ga, 2 3/4" 00 buck shell is more or less like hitting your attacker with 8-9 rounds of 9mm...all at once. If that doesn't stop someone, it's probably because you missed. Anyway, shot placement > cartridge. I'm not aware of anyone who uses 3" shells for defensive purposes; it's just overkill. The only reason most HD shotguns can take 3" shells, is that they are adapted from existing hunting shotguns, and people expect the ability to chamber 3" shells for game.

[Ken O]

I guess that settles that!
Thanks. Ken

[mif_slim]

I'm looking for some advice on the pros and cons of 2 3/4 vs. 3" shells for 12 ga. self defense. More shells in the mag with 2 3/4, but more 00 pellets in a 3"
thanks, Ken

More shells in mag? Well, lets calculate this out:

For every 12 2 3/4" shell you put in, you'll have enough to put 1 extra shell. So, that means to get an extra shell in the tube, your extention tube will be about 9" pass a 24" barrel...Imagine that on a 18" barrel. haha.. ony ugly shotgun.

[jyo]

The 2 3/4" is the standard for HD---usually in reduced/controlled/managed recoil shells---3" is for hunting game at long distance. My personal 870s are loaded with #4 buck for the first three rounds, after that (if there is still a threat) the rest of the shells are 00 buck---this is for "around the house"---outdoors, I start with 00 buck, slugs in reserve. All are reduced recoil 2 3/4". Oh, and get a premium recoil pad!

[RuskieShooter]

More shells in mag? Well, lets calculate this out:

For every 12 2 3/4" shell you put in, you'll have enough to put 1 extra shell. So, that means to get an extra shell in the tube, your extention tube will be about 9" pass a 24" barrel...Imagine that on a 18" barrel. haha.. ony ugly shotgun.

It doesn't quite work that way. If your tube is sized for 8 2.75" shells, when you load up with 3" shells only 7 will fit in the tube (not enough room for #8).

I guess its kind of opposite thinking; its not that you gain one from using 2.75", but rather that you lose one when using 3".

-Ruskie

[gwanghoops]

AFAIK, 2.75" and 3" shells are measured WHEN THEY ARE EJECTED.

The shell length before firing determines your capacity.

In my shotguns, shells that are > 2.35" (the 4 shells to the right) don't reach maximum advertised capacity.

[sargenv]

I only use 3" or 3.5" shels when hunting, otherwise I don't feel undergunned with the shorter shell.. While hunting, you are limited to 3 rounds, this is where a 3" or 3.5" shell loaded properly for the game in question might give you something extra in the pattern/pattern density department.. for everyday use, I use mainly 2 3/4" shells. 3" slugs are very punishing even with a recoil reduction system.. 1 oz @ 1700 fps hurts no matter what 8)

[8886]

I don't find much difference in 2 3/4 and 3" unless its reduced recoil loads and that only helps out after the first 3 shots. Honestly guys, it's a 12ga. All loads are going to have recoil.

When it comes to 000 though I don't see a big advantage in going to 3". 2 more pellets... wow.