I would like to know if anyone makes a 12ga 3.5" Side-by-Side shotgun?

I am 35 and when I was 7 my grandmother got me a Browning 20ga BSS Side-by-Side shotgun. Until we were required to shoot steel shot at waterfowl it was the only gun I ever shot. I would be willing to bet that there have been tens of thousands of rounds of ammo shot through this gun, and it has never had even the slightest hiccup.

When the game warden forced me to start shooting steel shot I purchased a Remington 870 magnum. This has also been one of the best guns I have ever seen. Thousands of rounds of steel shot and has never needed anything other than cleaning.

In recent years I have tried several shotguns chambered for the 3.5" 12ga:
- Browning BPS Pump - Felt Great but the action Sucked - Very difficult to get the action to cycle after firing a 3.5-inch shell. (Didn’t last but a couple of trips to the blind.)
- Winchester Super X2 Auto - Great performing gun, just didn't feel comfortable with it.
- Currently using Benelli Nova - Just finished the season with it and have to admit that I did enjoy this gun better than the other 3.5" listed, but I did find out (second trip to the blind) that this gun need to be cleaned to keep the spent rounds ejecting. - Seems that if the ejector latch groove on the barrel gets dirt or powder in it the spent shells will not always eject. I can live with this, especially considering the price of the gun and the ease in correcting the issue.

BUT, So far I have not been able to Find, Beg, Borrow, Steal, or Purchase any shotgun that I enjoy as much as my BSS 20ga. Don't know that I ever will.

NOTE: I do not have to have a 3.5" shotgun, but would REALLY like to have the option for those passing geese that always seem to show up.

That being said, I am looking for my best options at finding reasonable (Sub-$1000.00 to 2000.00) options for a 12-gauge double barrel shotgun - preferably 3.5 inch capable.

1. Does anybody manufacture a SXS that is chambered for a 3.5"?
2. I have heard of some hunters purchasing the Browning BSS 12ga and having screw-in chokes put in them and then having the chamber back-bored for 3.5" shells. Has anyone heard of this, and if so please let me know how well it worked. (This would be my dream gun)
3. Has anyone had any experience with DeHaan shotguns? http://www.dhshotguns.com

Thanks for any input,

Mack

i like sks

.308 rulles

I'm sure somebody makes a 10 gauge that could be adapted, I'm not sure it would pay them to do it though. Do you feel the killin' power you've gained, makes up for the beatin' you're takin'?

Why don't you just get a 3" gun; take to a competent gunsmith & have him rechamber to 3½"? The pressue, (PSI/CUP); is the same for 2¾", 3", or 3½". I have several friends that did this with zero problems.

I am not looking for a 10 guage, but a 12 guage

I am only wanting the ability to shoot 3.5 inch, not because I want to make the 3.5 inch my regular load, but to be able to have the additional killing power for the occassional goose hunt and to be able to borrow shells from other hunters if I run out. Probably 98% of the shells being shot will be 3 inch shells.

This is what I plan to do if I can't find a factory manufactured SxS in 3.5" that I like.

Do you know what model shotguns they are having rechambered?

Yes; they are all "BREAK ACTION" guns: O/U's, SxS, & Single Shots.