Alot of times those 3.5 inch mags actually blow holes in the pattern, don't get caught up in the bigger is better theory. Iv,e killed a lot of birds with 2 3/4 and 3in give them a try when sighting in, each gun shoots a little different try spoonfeeding them a variety of loads and see what they like. We have a small gun store that actually makes upwhat I would call grab bags 10 shells but they are all different. Really great for us turkey hunters get to try many shells w/out the big investment. 3.5 inch also cause a man to flinch at times I don't care how macho they thinkthey are!!!