ORIGINAL: buttonbuckmaster
I have the Supermag as my dedicated turkey gun. I scoped it and put a Gobblin Thunder choke tube in it. The 3 1/2s kill on both ends, no doubt about it. If I had it to do over again, I would get a regular 870 express, but the mag will work fine. I really like the gun, but most things that walk can be killed with a 2 3/4 inch shell.
I couldn't agree more! IMHO the 3 1/2 is more of a marketing strategy to give the shooter an illusion of more killing power. If you can't kill something with a 3" load, you're not likely going to kill it with a 3 1/2" load, so why subject yourself to the punishing recoil of a 3 1/2"?
As for the Rem. 870 Express Mag, I've had one forever! I've shot so many ducks, pheasants and geese with it I can't even begin to guess the numbers. It's been in the mud, bottom of the boat and under water more times than not and it has never failed to perform. I've used it and abused it so much I've worn the finish clean off the stock. It is my meat gun. I've got prettier, much more expensive guns, but none I am as deadly with!