Well, there is always debate over which is better, 3 or 3 1/2". So, I went to Federal's website and checked out some numbers. I looked at the Federal Premium High-Shock Lead High Velocity. Sounds like a good turkey load to me. This is interesting.

3"--- The muzzle velocity is 1300 fps. Dram equivelancy is 4.19 dr. and the shot charge is 1 3/4 oz.

3 1/2"-- Muzzle velocity is 1300 fps, Dram equivelancy is 4.57 dr. and the shot charge is 2 oz.

As you can see....you gain absolutely no power at all. Speeds are the same, energy the same, everything. The only difference is the amount of shot which needs more powder to push. This equates into you getting knocked over and a turkey that is just as dead as it was with a 3" shell.

I'll stil take the extra pellets. When there is a bird in front of me I would not fell a mouser with a steelstock plate.

I guess I look at it this way without making the comparisons like that. I do enjoy reading the research and investigation done by others, so thanks mobowhntr. But what I started to say was, I have killed every turkey I shot with a 3" shell and some probably between 35-40, you know the excitement, and they all dropped. And I am sure the 3" kick less, so IMHO, why use 3 1/2" shells? Again MHO. Now maybe if I head for the waterways, 3 1/2" would be the one for me, but for turkeys, 3" Federal Flite Control #5s will do just fine for me! [8D]

I have never shot 3.5 inch shells. But if they kick as hard as some people say then why. I have heard people say that they can shhot a turkey at 75 yards with a 3.5 and if they can good for them. They don't enjoy the thrill of calling them in close do they. I will stick with my 3 inch heck I am gonna go try some 2 3/4 this weekend.

I never have shot a turkey with 3 or 3 1/2......only 2 3/4 for me...cheaper shooting...equally dead.

You know I have 2 3/4 and 3" loads. Think when I get back I might see how well the 2 3/4 do in my 835. Had tried to use my O/U but the kick was so bad, and until I improve that I will not use it. Maybe the best pattern is in the smaller shell.

And I love seeing the eyes of the tom if I can before the shot. I can't imagine myself shooting beyond 40. Won't really shoot 40 unless I loose judgement of distance at trigger time, you know the heart pounding in your head! Otherwise, 3" and within 35 yards if possible! [8D]

I bought a 3.5'' gun to shoot 3.5'' shells. So, thats what I shoot. Am I a bad hunter for that?

I've never shot a turkey over 25-30 yards. So, i turn my nose up at the attitudes like"you only use a 3.5'' if you can't call a bird in close". My turkey notches could be a lot higher if this was the case. I've let plenty of birds walk b/c they were 35+ yards. Can I kill a bird at 50? Yes. Do I shoot that far, no.

Hey you guys, get this.....Guess what I am going to be using for the first time this Spring? I bought it as my Christmas present this year. Oh, you guys are going to love this.................a 10ga!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That makes me a bad hunter too, right?


I mean, come on. I can't call a bird in close, so why not get the biggest shot gun you can legally hunt with and shoot them as soon as they get off the truck at the grocery store, right?


Come on. Give me a break. If I don't want to use the tools you use oh well.

Oh yeah and for the recoil. I've shot 3'' guns that kick harder than any 3.5'' I've ever shot.

The recoil doesn't bother me at all. If it did, then I might by on ya'lls side of the fense. Until then. Oh well.

I shoot three inchers. Same powder charge behind it. 3 1/2 adds a few more pellets, but with the shots I'll be taking, 3 inch shells get the job...plenty done.

Ivalue everyones prefernce, I just understand why it seems to make you insufficient if you use 3.5 inch shell. I am taking two 12 year olds on the first Turkey hunt and they will be using 20 gauges. We will be spending alot of time at my shooting range patterning these guns. I think any gun/shell combo is only as good as the person behind it if they know there affective range and pattern. I agree with STRURBPS just because we choose a 3.5 inch shell, I am not afraid to take a 50 yard shot, because I know what my gun will do, And yes I can call them in so close I can count the little hairs on their head. I guess in my opinion I'll take my 3.5 inch shells to my personal turkey war, I hunted the first week last year with a bow and I will be spending some time with it again this year, it has no kick and has a maximum range of 35 yards.