when i first started hunting i used my dad's bps 3 inch shell with a 28 inch barrel. i only used it a couple times that first year with the factory full choke. i can't tell you how well it patterned because i did'nt know to. but i can tell you it kicked like a pissed off mule. if i were you i would definately buy a ported choke tube that will take some of the mule out of each shot. that gun kicked harder than my old 835 ulti-mag 3 1/2. flinching will not put the meat on the table.