3 1/2 inch shotgun really neccissary?

V

varhunter

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im looking at a shotgun for all around use and for coyotes im wondering if it's really neccissary for a 3 1/2 or if 3 is just as good. im looking at the vinci and the versa max which is why im asking.
 
The 3" magnum fodder shot through the correct choke will get the job done. For maximum long range performance, the 3&1/2" fodder is the ticket. You will need to pattern your chosen loads, and trying various choke tubes will likely be involved in your quest for maximum performance. Good luck.
 
Are you carrying a rifle also? I would think the increase in damage vs the increase in range with a 3 1/2 shell isn't really worth it. If you really don't care about the pelt and you plan on doing some waterfowl hunts, a 3 1/2 has its benefits. If you plan on doing coyotes and some upland or turkey, a 3 inch is more than enough. Just my 0.02 USD.
 
If I were looking for maximum range with a 3 1/2" shell, I'd be looking at a .10 gauge - not a .12 bore. Otherwise I prefer the 3" .12 gauge. My son has a new Vinci, it shoots really well. Isn't the Versa-Max on its second recall already?
 
Originally Posted By: GCIf I were looking for maximum range with a 3 1/2" shell, I'd be looking at a .10 gauge - not a .12 bore. Otherwise I prefer the 3" .12 gauge. My son has a new Vinci, it shoots really well. Isn't the Versa-Max on its second recall already?

I tend to agree with you but the ammo manufacturers have really put a lot of time and effort into the 3.5" 12's. There are some excellent loads available for these 12 gauges.
 
Not necessary but it certainly gives you more options. I would just choose the gun you like the feel of most. If it happens to shoot 3.5 then great. If not, no big deal. I own both. I shoot what patterns good.
 
I would maybe buy the 3.5 to have options but keep in mind 2.75 has the highest velocity, 3 inch next then 3.5. In my opinion 3.5 has too much charge for the 12 bore. I ahve never found a 3.5 that patterns well at 40 yards.
I went back to 2.75 for turkey several years ago and am convinced it works and kills better.
Carl
 
I have the Nova, Rem 870 supermag and Mossber 835. All are 3 1/2" capable and Ive tried a couple of boxes of 3 1/2 steel waterfowl loads and decided the price difference wasnt worth the performance gained if any. Dont know about the buckshot loads though. I now shoot 3" shells and they work well.
 
The patterns thrown in ALL of my shotguns prove that 3.5 inchers are not only unnecessary, but pretty much useless. As far as more range.....you are not gonna get it.
 
I have a Beretta Xtrema 3.5 I bought for turkeys. 3.5 inch Winchester XX 2 1/4 oz. of 6's has taken turkeys drop dead at 70 yards, and coyotes with authority at 60 yards on more than one occasion.I think the main problems with most guns it choke constriction, seems like you need to know voodoo to get some guns to shoot good.
 
They are necessary if you want to get kicked like a mule for a couple extra yards. All joking aside I have seen a VERY minimal difference in pattern's in my 835 between 3" and 3 1/2". That is with remington nitro turkey and nothing else.
 
thanks for all the great info guys, sounds like i should just go with the vinci. i think it felt better any way. i would probably use it for waterfowl but not often, im more of an upland hunter since i dont have dogs. anyway thanks for the info guys, it's much appreciated
 
ok i have done extensive patterning and selection for my 835 with 3.5" shells, and my conclusion is YES, they will extend your range. there are more pellets in the 3.5" loads. i have gone through 4 turkey chokes, and countless brands of shells, settling on one i like. i shoot a comp n choke XXX-full, winchester double X magnum, 2 1/4 oz #6 shot and dont think twice about pulling the trigger to 55 yards on a turkey,possibly even more. my buddy also has an 835 and has the same results with the same choke and shells. i also use 3.5" shells for geese and notice that i have some extra range as well, more pellets on target equals more kills. we have seen the same thing in a remington 11-87 turkey gun too, the 3.5 just plain preform!

these birds were taken at 55 and 62 yards, stone dead, without the 3.5" shells i dont think we would have got them
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this bird at 48 yards

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and this bird at 53

2ndturkey.jpg


although in the end it is up to you, i know what works best for me and that is all i can speak for, i will say, the 3.5" do kick a little more, but no worse than a 2 3/4" slug
 
Those big shells will add some reach but I've yet to need it.I'm sure it will eventually cost me some critters but for what the ammo costs I'll live with it.
 
Maybe its my bowhunting mentality, but isn't it cheaper and more satisfying to work on your set-ups and calling ability to bring the animals we hunt in close for a sure kill, than to spend money on more gadgets and bigger guns just so you can shoot them at farther distances and possibly not make a killing shot?
 
yes you are right droptine which is why i need a shotgun, the vinci and the versa max are pretty close in price so thats not an issue. i think the 3 inch vinci is actually a touch more then the 3 1/2 versa max.
 
well i had a gun that would go up to 3.5 and it had screw in chokes but still make effective range(on turkey target) was 58 yards and was not worth the extra kick it had
i since sold that gun and use my old trusty Sears robuck jc higgins bolt action 12 with the fixed full bbl and 2 -3/4 heavy shot i took a turkey at 51 yards last year with it and on paper targets patern puts 13 in the kill zone of a turkey at 55
so its the shot shells for me again
plus my shoulder like them better
 
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