Once my supply of 3.5's are depleted, I will go back to 3 in. 3.5 is a marketing gimmick

I use the winchester HV 3.5" #6 in my 835. Its no fun to pattern but its awesome on turkeys. I postered earler that I rolled one thru long grass at 44 yards, measured with a LRF. I bought my son the same gun, but he shoots 2 3/4 " is patterns well out to 30-35 yards.

The best combo I have found for my Rem. 870 is using Win. H.V. 3 1/2
# 6's 2 oz. of shot using a Hasting's .660 choke.

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i shoot the biggest and baddest i can find, and 3.5" Heavi Shot #5 is what i settled on. The kick is not that bad, but maybe thats because i'm unconsious for about 5 seconds after the shot. I used to shoot 3.5" steel for ducks, but switched to 3" tungsten matrix and the kill is much better than steel and easier on the shoulder. The 3.5" HS patterns very tight, about cantelope size at 35 steps

3 inch winchester supreme 5 shot.

I use 3" on turkeys.I've got a 3 1/2" I use to hunt geese,but that shoulder bruiser is a little hard on me to pattern in . Granted you don't seem to feel the recoil when you actually shot at game, but that patterning board is all together another story!I've taken plenty of turkeys with a 3" load and see no reason to switch over to a 3 1/2.

65 yards with a 12ga with #5's. []

3" is plenty for my shoulder!

Ihave used the 3 1/2 inch shells for 10 years now and I don't even notice the recoil when I shoot at a turkey. As mentioned before, at the range you will feel it after a while but it's not that bad. I guess it all depends on the person. Last year I used the 3 1/2 inch heavi-shot and it holds an awesome pattern out to 40-45 yards. I will be using the big boys again this year. Happy hunting!! 9 more days till turkey season!