I have been following this buckshot conversation with some interest. Just to put my two cents worth in, I agree with eldeguello. I believe buckshot does pattern better with a less constricted choke. I shoot a beretta semi auto with 3 inch 00 buck through a modified choke. Lately I have thought of using my IC choke to see if it would be better yet. I have never done any real serious patterning with the gun but as far as I can tell the difference between my modified and IC chokes with 00 buck is hardly noticeable.
I have also been debating the benefit of 3 inch shells. Is the increased number of pellets worth the reduction in velocity from the 2 3/4 inch shells?
In Maine ,where I live, most of the hunting is in thick woods. Not many hardwoods up here. Lots of conifers. The hunting is close and I have never shot a deer over 50 yards away.

Shotgunbilly in,

MOOSE COUNTRY