RE: 3 1/2 vs. 3"
My personal view is that 3" is enough for all geese!! I have seen many geese taken with 2 3/4". The only reason for the 3 1/2" coming into existance was because of non-toxic shot. People thought they needed big loads for it to work effectivly. This turned out not to be neccesarly true(possibly with steel it could prove and advantage)
I would therefore concentrate on the gun fit rather than the size of the cartridge!!
Best cartridge Iv found for geese and duck being Eley Bismuth maxiums (2 3/4" 34grams) And also so Bismuth magnums (3" 42grams)
Thats your English advise for the day!!
Tomy D
My freind got a 3 1/2" and hates it!! he cant use some 2 3/4" and certainly cant use 2 1/2" cartridges and has lost many chances fidling with the gas parts from light to heavy load!!