M Bucker

I know you guys have seen this topic before but I was thinking of getting a new shotgun with a 3 1/2 in. receiver. Is it worth it? I hunt both ducks and geese, does it make that much of a difference on dropping them?

Just looking for some of your thoughts.

Thanks.

drgildy

My son has a 3 1/2 inch 12 ga and I have seen him finish off ducks that had been hit and were getting out. He has killed them dead at unbelievable ranges. If you limit your shots to close in over decoys a 2 3/4 is enough but it is nice to have a little extra when you didn't make a good first shot. I have a 10 also.

Dan O.

If you're using steel shot (for all game) it's a nice option.

Dan O.

M Bucker

Thanks guys!

One more question, when do you think would be the best time of year to buy a new shotgun? I imagine early spring would be, like the stores would be getting rid of their stock or something. Or is it pretty much the same year round?

Thanks again.

Ruddyduck

The added exspense and recoil of 3 1/2 shells IMHO not worth the extra money. Just because one is throwing more shot it doesn't alway equate into more killing power at longer distances. With a sphere being a ballisticly awful, everything evens out by 55-60 yard no matter how fast it leaves the muzzle. Unless one is adept at long shots (beyond 45 yard and very few truely are) money is better spent on good decoys and the skeet field.

vertiport

M BUCKER: check out the next new topic about my reserch in 12ga 3.5. Got all the info from 10 ga to 2.75 12 ga. Keep an eye out for it you will enjoy the info.