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Old May 16, 2011, 01:34 AM   #22
big al hunter
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 12, 2011
Location: Washington state
Posts: 1,558
The 12 ga. 3 1/2" shell was designed to hold more steel shot. After lead was banned for waterfoul hunting steel shot was the only available non-toxic material. It does not have the same energy as lead and more pellets were needed to effectively kill birds at the same distances previously done with lead. Any pump action stamped for 3 1/2" will shoot 2 3/4 and 3" as well. This does not work in reverse though, do not use 3 1/2" shells in a 3" gun. It may fit but that is very dangerous and creates more pressure than the gun is designed to have in its chamber or barrel. 3 1/2 inch shells have far more recoil than the 2 3/4 inch so unless you feel like bruising your shoulder you more than likely won't need it. Manufacturers assume we all know that we can shoot 2 3/4" shells in a 3" chamber, so some of them have stopped stamping the barrel as 2 3/4 or 3" and have instead only labeled them 3". You will save money and your shoulder by shooting 2 3/4" shells. They will do the job with clays up close in the back yard.

If you ever get the bug to own an auto-loading shotgun the shell length is more critical as some guns will not cycle properly with smaller shells than they are designed for, due to less pressure being generated. Have fun and be safe.
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