FroMan

On the big scale of things...3 or 3 1/2 don't make a hill a beans.

6 to one, half dozen to the other.

But...nonetheless it is something to argue and bicker over.

jalvja

Yes, a 3'' shell will get the job done. But you know what? So will the old paper shells that my grandfather used to shoot when he was younger. So, why doesn't everyone just use them?
[/quote] StrutnBPS,I don't know how old your Grandpa is,but I remember those old paper shellsThanks for makin me feel old.As for 3" or 3 1/2" what does it matter who uses what.It's still turkey huntin.For the record,I shoot 3".Still usin the same gun I been usin for over 30 yrs.Damn,Now I made myself feel old.

keyshunter

Actually, it takes a mighty big rifle to equal the recoil of a 3 1/2 inch shotgun shell. The recoil is about twice that of a .30/06. I once owned a .375 H&H magnum rifle and it seemed to kick considerably less than 3 1/2 inch shells in my 835. If you want an interesting experience, fire a few carefully aimed 3 1/2 shells from a bench rest.

Howler

I beg to differ. IF more pellets strike the target, more pellets=more weight, hence more energy delivered, JUST LIKE A LARGER/HEAVIER bullet!!
Would you rather have20 pellets going 1300 fps hit you, OR just one!

JLmoore1956

Never used a 3 1/2. Shot all my birds with a 3" and they went straight down. And I agree, I dont remember the recoil either, but just my own humble opinion, is if I am successful with 3", why use a 3 1/2?

turk2di

I don't think there is much of a controversy about the use of them. My problem with the 3 & 1/2 is they emboldensome shooter's to take way to long a shot

Rebel Hog

IMO, I think there's more merit in taking a turkey under 30yds with 2-3/4" than shooting them with 3" and 3-1/2" at 50-60yds. To me there's more of a rush and a feeling of accomplishment of my skills, to know that I called it in as close as I did and used 2-3/4" 20ga Win. Mod 12.
To me, it's turkey hunting and not a turkey shoot to see who can shoot the farthest. Calling them as close as possible and using standard ammo, it's like landing a 15pd Bass on 6lb test.
But then again, to each his own!!

Rebel Hog

A typical high-brass load with 1 1/4 ounces of shot at a MV of 1330 fps fired in a 7.5 pound shotgun is much worse. It belts the shooter with 36.4 ft. lbs. of recoil. This is roughly equivalent to the kick of a .300 Ultra Mag. rifle. Average hunters should strictly limit the number of such loads they fire to avoid developing a flinch.
12 gauge Magnum shells are even worse. A 2 3/4 inch Magnum shell throwing 1 1/2 ounces of shot at 1260 fps from a 7.5 pound shotgun belts the shooter with 45.9 ft. lbs. of recoil, somewhat more than the recoil of a typical .375 H&H Magnum rifle shooting 300 grain factory loads! And the 3 inch Magnum 12 gauge shell firing 1 7/8 ounces of shot at a MV of 1210 fps in that same 7.5 pound shotgun slams the shooter with over 60 ft. lbs. of recoil energy. This is equivalent toand exceeds the recoil of a typical .458 Winchester Magnum rifle. This is literally recoil in the elephant gun class, and most shooters would be well advised to avoid such loads.

Bloominghunter2

I feel that both 3" and 3.5" shells are able to kill turkeys . I think it mostly comes down to if you have confidence in it having confidence is the biggest key to Success.

Rebel Hog

BH2, let me ask you a question? Do you as a turkey Hunter, consider yourself good enough to call themwithin a 20-25yd range? If YES, do you think you really need a 3" or3-1/2" to take it? You don't think a 20ga/ 2-3/4" w/modified chokewill take it?