3 1/2in shotgun Needed? - Page 2

UniversalFrost · September 25, 2008, 02:30 PM

3.5 is only for long range geese and duck work with the proper choke (like a pattern master) or for when you really want a sore shoulder

also, like others have stated better to have one and not need it than to need it and not have it.

I got a smoking deal on my 835 with a pattern master choke and that is the reason I own a 3.5" 12ga. the choke is what makes this gun a super long range waterfowl gun, otherwise with a normal full or x-full choke it is just as good shooting 3" as it is with 3.5" .

at the least get a gun that can handle up to 3" since you never know when you will be in the boonies and run out of ammo and the local gas station might only have 3" (highly unlikely, but never know). If you own a 3.5" then you have no worries at all.

JOE

cat9x · September 25, 2008, 03:38 PM

I did not state before that a 3.5" alone will not solve any problems. Chokes are far more important. Here are some examples of 3.5" performance with various chokes at 40 yards. I like the 3.5" and hunt with it often, but a 3" will do everything a 3.5" can do...it just throws a little less lead.

Factory Benelli Full

Carlson's Extended Full

Comp-N-Choke XXX Full

Webleymkv · September 25, 2008, 07:32 PM

I don't typically think of myself as recoil sensitive, but the only 3.5" 12ga I ever shot (Mossberg 835) was downright painful. Personally, if I need more than a 3" 12ga has to offer, I'll go straight to my 10ga (it's reciol is much more manageable than the 835 was).

publius · September 25, 2008, 07:40 PM

the only thing I really want a 3.5 is for turkeys. I use them for waterfowl b/c my dad gives me a case for christmas each year. Never had any problems w/a regular 3" before I got the 3.5 two years ago though. I sure wouldn't pass a good deal on a 3" 870.

Bowhunter57 · September 26, 2008, 09:30 AM

A 3" 12 gauge will cover most game hunting. However, with steel shot I use a 3 1/2" 12 gauge for waterfowl.

Mossberg 835s are stocked differently than most shotguns and therefore the increased felt recoil.

I owned one, sold it and purchased a Russian Baikal MP-153 with a 24" barrel (now called the Remington/Spartan 453). The MP-153 is a gas operated and gas a relieved semi-auto and that makes it much easier to handle full house loads of 3 1/2" ammo.

Using Kent 3 1/2" Fast Steel with BBBs at 1550 f.p.s. and an extended Terror choke tube in .675" restriction, I can get a 91% pattern inside a 30" circle at 40 yards. I've dropped geese at 55+ yards and when I pick them up there's holes in their back where the pellets had passed through.

For all other hunting with a shotgun I use a Mossberg 500 Turkey Special (20" barrel) and choke it according to what I intend to hunt. Outstanding patterns with the factory turkey choke of .650" restriction.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

ISC · September 26, 2008, 09:38 AM

the 3 1/2 doesn't recoil that much if you know how to hold it right.

Just hold it an inch or two away from your shoulder when you shoot it so that the recoil is absorbed by the time it touches your shoulder.

Let me know how that works out for you.

cat9x · September 26, 2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

the 3 1/2 doesn't recoil that much if you know how to hold it right.

Just hold it an inch or two away from your shoulder when you shoot it so that the recoil is absorbed by the time it touches your shoulder.

I'll consider that a joke. If you can't shoot a shotgun/rifle from your shoulder you dont need to be shooting it at all.

ISC · September 26, 2008, 12:06 PM

yes it's a joke. If anyone tries it they'll get a nice bruise for their effort.

cat9x · September 26, 2008, 12:18 PM

haha oh man, i get a bruise everytime I shoot the thing from the shoulder!

UniversalFrost · September 28, 2008, 12:18 PM

my 835 waterfowl model does not recoil that much. by the way the averager 835 wears the same wood as a 500, the waterfowl and deluxe 835's have better wood and some have different ergonomics (stock design). My waterfowl 835 came with high grade walnut and the buttstock which is factory mossberg has a slightly "european" styling that differes greatly from the average stocks.

I added a knoxx comp stock set for use when I am turkey hunting with full power 3.5" and I am resting against a tree and have to make a shot. the comp stock reduce recoil that is felt down to about what a 20ga with light trap loads feels like.

JOE

RevDerb · September 28, 2008, 08:05 PM

Please, NO! I just got my shotgun re-bored from 2-1/2". Too much education for an old man.

sc928porsche · October 4, 2008, 09:10 PM

I suppose 3 1/2" 12GA. has a purpose. I am not quite sure what. For Geese, I use 3 1/2" 10 GA. For Ducks and Pheasant I have a 3" 12 GA. and for quail and dove I use a 2 3/4" 16 Ga. To be truthful, the 16 GA would work on all of them. Shooting a Turkey that is pretty much standing at 35 yds with a shotgun seems a bit much to me, but what do I know. I like to use a 22-250 on them.

Swampghost · October 4, 2008, 09:54 PM

2-3/4" worked well for generations of my family and I see no reason to change up. I shoot SbS's (personal preference) and have a .410, a couple of 16's and 12's plus a 10. My 16 Fox gets the heaviest workout followed by my 12 Stevens. Don't get on my Stevens, it was my first shotgun and has put in 46 yrs. of triumphant service.

rem870hunter · October 5, 2008, 05:22 AM

needed, probably not. wanted would be better. especially if(from the sounds of it) you don't like your shoulder. i've fired enough 3" buckshot to know that the 3" shells hurt me enough. the 3.5" would really be a kicker.

i've thought about getting a 3.5" chambered shotgun. but i don't do enough goose or turkey hunting to need one. the few extra pellets above the 3" in the 3.5" buckshot loads aren't enough to make me get one for deer use. 3" #1 buck with 24 pellets and 3" 00 buck with 15 pellets are enough for me. i haven't seen any 3.5" #1 buck shells. or 3.5" slugs much less a 3.5" chamber slug barrel. if i was going to need a 3" or 3.5" slug gun. i would use my marlin in .35 rem or a 30-06 (mauser rifle).

elrod · October 5, 2008, 02:45 PM

Ran across a new 835 "Ulti-Mag" at a gun show for $225 OTD. I'd not been looking for a 3 1/2 gun, but for that price, why not? You don't have to shoot the long shells, anyway. I do some deer hunting with dogs, and use that gun. Killed one 4-point last year with it and 3 1/2" 00 buck. Does a good job with 3" and 2 3/4", as well. To each his own, I suppose.

September 25, 2008, 02:30 PM	#26
UniversalFrost Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,300	3.5 is only for long range geese and duck work with the proper choke (like a pattern master) or for when you really want a sore shoulder also, like others have stated better to have one and not need it than to need it and not have it. I got a smoking deal on my 835 with a pattern master choke and that is the reason I own a 3.5" 12ga. the choke is what makes this gun a super long range waterfowl gun, otherwise with a normal full or x-full choke it is just as good shooting 3" as it is with 3.5" . at the least get a gun that can handle up to 3" since you never know when you will be in the boonies and run out of ammo and the local gas station might only have 3" (highly unlikely, but never know). If you own a 3.5" then you have no worries at all. JOE __________________ Lifetime member VFW and NRA "Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (when all else fails play dead) -Red Green

September 25, 2008, 07:40 PM	#29
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	the only thing I really want a 3.5 is for turkeys. I use them for waterfowl b/c my dad gives me a case for christmas each year. Never had any problems w/a regular 3" before I got the 3.5 two years ago though. I sure wouldn't pass a good deal on a 3" 870. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

September 26, 2008, 09:30 AM	#30
Bowhunter57 Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2002 Location: N.W. Ohio Posts: 301	A 3" 12 gauge will cover most game hunting. However, with steel shot I use a 3 1/2" 12 gauge for waterfowl. Mossberg 835s are stocked differently than most shotguns and therefore the increased felt recoil. I owned one, sold it and purchased a Russian Baikal MP-153 with a 24" barrel (now called the Remington/Spartan 453). The MP-153 is a gas operated and gas a relieved semi-auto and that makes it much easier to handle full house loads of 3 1/2" ammo. Using Kent 3 1/2" Fast Steel with BBBs at 1550 f.p.s. and an extended Terror choke tube in .675" restriction, I can get a 91% pattern inside a 30" circle at 40 yards. I've dropped geese at 55+ yards and when I pick them up there's holes in their back where the pellets had passed through. For all other hunting with a shotgun I use a Mossberg 500 Turkey Special (20" barrel) and choke it according to what I intend to hunt. Outstanding patterns with the factory turkey choke of .650" restriction. Good hunting, Bowhunter57 __________________ If God didn't want us to eat animals, he wouldn't have made them out of meat.

September 28, 2008, 12:18 PM	#35
UniversalFrost Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,300	my 835 waterfowl model does not recoil that much. by the way the averager 835 wears the same wood as a 500, the waterfowl and deluxe 835's have better wood and some have different ergonomics (stock design). My waterfowl 835 came with high grade walnut and the buttstock which is factory mossberg has a slightly "european" styling that differes greatly from the average stocks. I added a knoxx comp stock set for use when I am turkey hunting with full power 3.5" and I am resting against a tree and have to make a shot. the comp stock reduce recoil that is felt down to about what a 20ga with light trap loads feels like. JOE __________________ Lifetime member VFW and NRA "Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (when all else fails play dead) -Red Green

September 28, 2008, 08:05 PM	#36
RevDerb Member Join Date: July 25, 2008 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 46	Please, NO! I just got my shotgun re-bored from 2-1/2". Too much education for an old man. __________________ *"... and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."* (Luke 22:36b) Ruger GP100 .357 , Ruger SR9, Ruger SR40c, Ruger LC9, Ruger LCP, S&W 22a, Marlins, Henry .22 and a shotty. NRA, USN, Viet Nam Era Vet

September 25, 2008, 03:38 PM	#27
cat9x Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 212	I did not state before that a 3.5" alone will not solve any problems. Chokes are far more important. Here are some examples of 3.5" performance with various chokes at 40 yards. I like the 3.5" and hunt with it often, but a 3" will do everything a 3.5" can do...it just throws a little less lead. Factory Benelli Full Carlson's Extended Full Comp-N-Choke XXX Full

September 25, 2008, 07:32 PM	#28
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	I don't typically think of myself as recoil sensitive, but the only 3.5" 12ga I ever shot (Mossberg 835) was downright painful. Personally, if I need more than a 3" 12ga has to offer, I'll go straight to my 10ga (it's reciol is much more manageable than the 835 was).

September 26, 2008, 09:38 AM	#31
ISC Junior member Join Date: August 5, 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,982	the 3 1/2 doesn't recoil that much if you know how to hold it right. Just hold it an inch or two away from your shoulder when you shoot it so that the recoil is absorbed by the time it touches your shoulder. Let me know how that works out for you.

September 26, 2008, 12:06 PM	#33
ISC Junior member Join Date: August 5, 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,982	yes it's a joke. If anyone tries it they'll get a nice bruise for their effort.

September 26, 2008, 12:18 PM	#34
cat9x Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 212	haha oh man, i get a bruise everytime I shoot the thing from the shoulder!

October 4, 2008, 09:10 PM	#37
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,433	I suppose 3 1/2" 12GA. has a purpose. I am not quite sure what. For Geese, I use 3 1/2" 10 GA. For Ducks and Pheasant I have a 3" 12 GA. and for quail and dove I use a 2 3/4" 16 Ga. To be truthful, the 16 GA would work on all of them. Shooting a Turkey that is pretty much standing at 35 yds with a shotgun seems a bit much to me, but what do I know. I like to use a 22-250 on them.

October 4, 2008, 09:54 PM	#38
Swampghost Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: Florida, east coast Posts: 2,106	2-3/4" worked well for generations of my family and I see no reason to change up. I shoot SbS's (personal preference) and have a .410, a couple of 16's and 12's plus a 10. My 16 Fox gets the heaviest workout followed by my 12 Stevens. Don't get on my Stevens, it was my first shotgun and has put in 46 yrs. of triumphant service. __________________ NRA Patron Member

October 5, 2008, 05:22 AM	#39
rem870hunter Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2007 Location: N.J. and trying to decide what state to move to. Posts: 973	needed, probably not. wanted would be better. especially if(from the sounds of it) you don't like your shoulder. i've fired enough 3" buckshot to know that the 3" shells hurt me enough. the 3.5" would really be a kicker. i've thought about getting a 3.5" chambered shotgun. but i don't do enough goose or turkey hunting to need one. the few extra pellets above the 3" in the 3.5" buckshot loads aren't enough to make me get one for deer use. 3" #1 buck with 24 pellets and 3" 00 buck with 15 pellets are enough for me. i haven't seen any 3.5" #1 buck shells. or 3.5" slugs much less a 3.5" chamber slug barrel. if i was going to need a 3" or 3.5" slug gun. i would use my marlin in .35 rem or a 30-06 (mauser rifle). __________________ BEAR Bows,Remington shotguns,Marlin rifles

October 5, 2008, 02:45 PM	#40
elrod Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2007 Location: Heart of the heart of Dixie Posts: 234	Ran across a new 835 "Ulti-Mag" at a gun show for $225 OTD. I'd not been looking for a 3 1/2 gun, but for that price, why not? You don't have to shoot the long shells, anyway. I do some deer hunting with dogs, and use that gun. Killed one 4-point last year with it and 3 1/2" 00 buck. Does a good job with 3" and 2 3/4", as well. To each his own, I suppose. __________________ Freedom ain't free!