12 gauge 2 3/4" vs 3" shells

Southern Shooter · September 28, 2005, 09:44 AM

I have a chance to pick up a used 12 guage in a trade. My concern is that it is chambered only for 2 3/4" shells. I hunt deer, squirrel, rabbit and turkey. Is being limited to only 2 3/4" shells going to decrease my hunting effectiveness greatly in comparison to what 3" ammunition can do?

zeisloft · September 28, 2005, 10:09 AM

Provided it is not gonna be a high flying goose gun, dont worry. What brand model...
~z

jacobtowne · September 28, 2005, 10:10 AM

Not for deer, but perhaps for turkey. Two of the most successful whitetail hunters I know use 20 gauge 2 3/4 inch shotguns.
JT

dfaugh · September 29, 2005, 10:27 AM

2 3/4 was all that there was for many years, and plenty of game was taken during all those years. My preferred hunting shotgun, in 35 yearsof shooting, has always been a mossberg 20 guage for both birds and deer.

Bowtier · September 29, 2005, 10:52 AM

Personally, I think turkey will give you a little trouble with 2 3/4" at greater distances. I try not to reach out past 40 yds or so with 3" out of my 12 ga. I once saw my dad shoot one at closer to 50 yds. & the turkey started doin' the death flop....we jump up and start running toward it & with 2 quick flaps of his wings he was airborn & set in a dead glide that took him about 200 yds down the hill. took us a LONG time to find that old boy. So, since then I always use 3" & try to get 'em in to 40 or closer. 2 3/4" will do the trick but you better be a good caller & be REAL still to get 'em in to close range. Just MHO. oh & Good Luck

September 28, 2005, 09:44 AM	#1
Southern Shooter Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2005 Location: central Louisiana Posts: 469	12 gauge 2 3/4" vs 3" shells I have a chance to pick up a used 12 guage in a trade. My concern is that it is chambered only for 2 3/4" shells. I hunt deer, squirrel, rabbit and turkey. Is being limited to only 2 3/4" shells going to decrease my hunting effectiveness greatly in comparison to what 3" ammunition can do?

September 28, 2005, 10:09 AM	#2
zeisloft Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2005 Location: Amarillo TX Posts: 419	Provided it is not gonna be a high flying goose gun, dont worry. What brand model... ~z __________________ A scalpel can be just as effective as a broadsword Obviously, Occam was not a reloader

September 29, 2005, 10:27 AM	#4
dfaugh Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2002 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,715	Realize that 2 3/4 was all that there was for many years, and plenty of game was taken during all those years. My preferred hunting shotgun, in 35 yearsof shooting, has always been a mossberg 20 guage for both birds and deer. __________________ "If you Listen to Fools, the Mob Rules" "No one has the answer, but one thing is true. You'e got to turn on evil, when its coming after you. You've gotta face it down,and when it tries to hide, you've got to go in after it, and never be denied. Time is running out...Let's roll. Let's roll for freedom, let's roll for love. We're going after satan, on the wings of a dove. Let's roll for freedom, let's roll for truth. Let's not let our children grow up fearful in their youth."

September 28, 2005, 10:10 AM	#3
jacobtowne Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2005 Location: New England Posts: 277	Not for deer, but perhaps for turkey. Two of the most successful whitetail hunters I know use 20 gauge 2 3/4 inch shotguns. JT

September 29, 2005, 10:52 AM	#5
Bowtier Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2005 Location: PA Posts: 124	Personally, I think turkey will give you a little trouble with 2 3/4" at greater distances. I try not to reach out past 40 yds or so with 3" out of my 12 ga. I once saw my dad shoot one at closer to 50 yds. & the turkey started doin' the death flop....we jump up and start running toward it & with 2 quick flaps of his wings he was airborn & set in a dead glide that took him about 200 yds down the hill. took us a LONG time to find that old boy. So, since then I always use 3" & try to get 'em in to 40 or closer. 2 3/4" will do the trick but you better be a good caller & be REAL still to get 'em in to close range. Just MHO. oh & Good Luck