RE: 3in vs. 3.5in
 

To be honest with you, the only 20 ga. I've ever owned has been a break open single barrel from New England Firearms. I got it when I was a boy. It holds a 3 inch shell and it is all I'ver ever used. I've never even "patterned" it. I've just used it, and I've taken my share of game with it, including turkeys. They've used 3 inch for a really long time and didn't need a 3.5 advantage until more recently.

RE: 3in vs. 3.5in
 

I bought a Remington 870 SuperMag to shoot the 3 1/2 inch roman candles. They pattern better in my gun than the 3 inch shells do, but it kills on both ends. People say "you never feel it when you pull the trigger on a turkey". BS.....still hurts, got busted in the mouth last spring taking a tom. I love the patterns with that gun, but dread pulling the trigger, even on a tom.

RE: 3in vs. 3.5in
 

12 guage with 2 3/4" will kill a turkey just fine at 33 yds. No kick, nice and easy. That what I have for my wife to use. I'm using the 3" but wouldn't even consider 3 1/2 for turkeys.

You're good to go man! Just pattern that baby and find a bird!

Which choke/load etc. is a tough one. I shoot Hevi #5's with an undertaker. Take my choke off my gun and give you a shell and your gun probably patterns different.

Get what you can afford and determine the range however it may pattern. If it's only 25 then only shoot at birds 25 yds and in. If you don't like that then you may have to spend more $$ to keep trying.

Most expensive turkey you will ever sit down and eat by the time your done :D

RE: 3in vs. 3.5in
 

I use 3 1/2 but I am going to try the 3"s this weekend. BTW, When does the new Ithica gun come out?

RE: 3in vs. 3.5in
 

get a comp-n-choke