There is a very noticable difference in the 3 1/2. If it' s Goose you are after, a 3 1/2 with a 28 in. barrel is the way to go, you will be happy with that. Try and find something that will chamber 2 3/4 and 3' s too, for versatility. You may find that if you hit a duck good with a 3 1/2 there won' t be much eating .