Question: I have been big game hunting a while but now also want to get into waterfowl and turkey hunting as well. I don't own a 12 gauge yet, sothat would bethe next toy on the list. I'll probably get a remington 870 because i've heard nothing but great things about it. Do I want it to be able to shoot 3" or 3.5" shells? I have read that the guns made for 3.5" can also shoot 3" as well, but are more expensive. Do I need a gun that shoots 3.5" shells? I know geese and turkey are both big birds, and I wouldn't want to find myself in a situation where I felt I was under-gunned... I am fairly limited in my knowledge of shotguns and would appreciate any advice.

Most 3.5 will shoot 2.75,3 and 3.5. They are a bit more expensive to get the 3.5, but so are the shells. In my experience I have used the 3.5 shells very little. I do shoot the 3" shells alot more.I would say it depends on what your hunting.. Ducks in Timber 3" is plenty.. Geese in an open field a 3.5 won't hurt

get the 3.5"

3.5's arent all that much more expensive the store i work at they are 300 bucks for the 3.5 (super mag) and $270 for the 3". But there is a 30$ discount on the 3" right now. aas far as which one for geese mybe go to 3.5 but turkey just spenfd the little extra money on premium shells(beings it only takes one shot on turks usually)and still reach out to 50 yards. i thought i would use the 3.5 but havent even bought the shells for it yet just stuck with 3's for goose, mainly because i have only gone a few times and dont take it super serious.

Get the 3.5" then if you ever want to shoot 3.5" you will be able to. I shoot nothing but 3.5" for turkey and wouldn't change for anything. Don't always need 3.5" but it is nice to have if and when you do.

The 3.5's advantages are mainly when it comes to waterfowl, since there's more shot, it's better when shooting at passing waterfowl.

With Turkeys, it doesn't make such a huge difference as far as killing them is concerned, I myself shot my first turkey with a 3" in the chamber, but I honestly would still prefer the 3.5", when you look at the heads of the turkey I shot with the 3", and the other one my buddy killed with a 3.5", trust me, there's a difference, no matter what people say about the whole "dead is dead, can't get no more than that" argument, there is a difference.

Get the 3.5"

I find 3.5" very useful for geese, especially snow geese here in MD. I also like the option to use it for turkey. I have found my best pattern with a few guns with 3.5" loads. Just more options.

I use to shoot 3-1/2" until these came out and have no need for 3-1/2" NO More.

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Good information. Thanks for the help guys. I think I"ll go withthe super mag.

The super mag is a great choice. Have one myself. It works great for dove loads and has no problems with goose, turkey, or even 3.5" buckshot loads either.