Which (defensive) 12 gauges can shoot 3" and 3 1/2" shells safely?

[RMP91]

I'm compiling a list of the most common and popular defensive shotguns (Remington 870, Mossberg 500 Series, Ithaca 37s, etc.). I want to know which out of all of them can safely shoot modern 3" and 3 1/2" shells/slugs?

This will help me immensely in choosing which shotguns to buy in the future.

I want to have a collection of shotguns that are as versatile and ubiquitous as possible. I want them to be able to shoot 3" and 3 1/2" shells and slugs safely and without modification as well as 2 3/4".

[shafferds]

Any shotgun labeled for 3.5 in shells will shoot any one. Most defense shotguns are up to 3in. Older ones are 2 3/4 so just check the barrel. Benelli. Super nova shoots all types.

[TacticalPlinker]

Just about every non-hunting shotgun I've seen can accept up to 2 & 3/4" and 3". The Rem 870, Mossberg 500 to name two.

I think 3 & 1/2" is more reserved for magnum loads used for hunting, like turkey.

[Meety Peety]

Most of them will take a 3". Most of the same guns will be sold in some sort of "magnum" or "Supermag" etc designation for a higher price and will then accept a 3 1/2". For HD purposes though, I don't think you'll really need a 3 1/2" anyway.. unless you want your shoulder and ears to hurt as bad as the bad guys wounds LoL. I mean really 3 1/2" 00 buck is pretty overkill in my opinion. But to answer your question, almost all of the HD models will be offered in a magnum configuration, you'll just have to find a LGS that happens to have one in their inventory.

[RMP91]

My dream shotgun(s) should be weather/corrosion resistant and be able to load 2 3/4", 3", and 3 1/2" shells interchangeably without modifications.

I know I could research this all night, but the internet is chock full of bad info that could end up getting me hurt or killed.

I'd like some names in particular, thanks!

[osis32]

check out the rem versamax tactical maybe? idk but that thing is supposed to eat everything. it has a special porting system. the barrel is kinda long though

[Bobby Hated]

what the heck are you shooting with 3 1/2" slugs anyways? a neighbor? ha ha

[RMP91]

what the heck are you shooting with 3 1/2" slugs anyways? a neighbor? ha ha

It's not that, it's just that in a survival scenario, if I am out of my regular ammo and I come across a box or two of 3 1/2" shells, I want to be able to use them without having to tinker with the gun.

[TacticalPlinker]

It's not that, it's just that in a survival scenario, if I am out of my regular ammo and I come across a box or two of 3 1/2" shells, I want to be able to use them without having to tinker with the gun.

Ok. How about this?


Remington 887 Nitro Mag Tactical

Seems to meet your needs...

Handles 12-gauge 2 3/4", 3", 3 1/2" loads interchangeably

...the Model 887 Nitro Mag is an armor-clad warrior here to carry the torch of our great pump-gun legacy through the most extreme conditions on earth. Our exclusive ArmorLokt™ process seals the receiver and barrel in a vault of weather-impervious synthetic armor that's both completely rustproof and tough as nails.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/tactical/shotguns/model-887-nitro-mag-tactical.aspx

[NSR500]

887 Nitro Mag is a turd. Get a Benelli SuperNova Tactical.

[RMP91]

Ok. How about this?


Remington 887 Nitro Mag Tactical

Seems to meet your needs...




http://www.remington.com/products/fi...-tactical.aspx

Other than the choke on the end, it looks beautiful... And it's not very expensive, it costs just a bit more than a comparable Mossberg...

I'll add that to my list, now if I can find at least two more... I don't want it to be the ONLY gun in town

[taiwon]

i notice that people hardly ever bring this up so ill bring it upon myself to warn you, the remington 870 is pretty selective on what cheap trap ammo you shoot out of it. for instance, the walmart bulk winchester universal shotgun shells jam in the chamber. mossbergs dont really have this problem (in my experience).

[ElDub1950]

It's not that, it's just that in a survival scenario, if I am out of my regular ammo and I come across a box or two of 3 1/2" shells, I want to be able to use them without having to tinker with the gun.

If you're really thinking of a survival scenario you're much more likely to need to pickup a discarded shotgun for parts to repair yours, than to stumble on 3 1/2 in shells you wish you could shoot. If you have some unusual gun you're unlikely to be able to repair it.

You're better off with one of the most popular models. Take the money you save and buy an old single shot as a backup.

[DJ Skillz]

I've reliably cycled and fired everything from 1 3/4" Aguila minishells to 3" magnum slugs in my Winchester 1300 Defender. Never tried 3 1/2" though.

[-hanko]

I'm compiling a list of the most common and popular defensive shotguns (Remington 870, Mossberg 500 Series, Ithaca 37s, etc.). I want to know which out of all of them can safely shoot modern 3" and 3 1/2" shells/slugs?

This will help me immensely in choosing which shotguns to buy in the future.

I want to have a collection of shotguns that are as versatile and ubiquitous as possible. I want them to be able to shoot 3" and 3 1/2" shells and slugs safely and without modification as well as 2 3/4".

Put the maker's name in your browser's url window, add ".com" after that and hit the enter key.

hth

-hanko