3" or 2 3/4"

[stinger]

I recently aquired a SxS (Felix Sarasque).

The barrel is marked for 3" shells. I was wondering if all 3" shotguns can safely shoot the smaller 2 3/4" shells. As far as I know, 2 3/4 shells are all that have ever been shot in it.

Thanks,

Stinger

 

[Al Thompson]

Yes. In fact, I never use 3 inch shells, I find that outside of waterfowl, they are jut money wasted.

 

[stinger]

Thanks, Gizmo99!

I'll sure miss TFL

Stinger

 

[Mannlicher]

I agree with Gizmo, as usual.

I rarely stuff 3 inch shells into a 12 GA. I do use them routinly in my 20 ga guns.

 

[HSMITH]

In 12 ga I use 3.5" and 2.75". If I could not have 3.5" I would use ONLY 2.75", even on waterfowl and turkey. I used a case and a box of 3.5" this year, I hunt a lot. There are VERY few 3" loadings that offer much if anything over 2.75" loads with modern powders and wads, except price .

In 20 ga the situation is a little different, but I still prefer 2.75" loads in ALL but steel loadings.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Simple rule of thumb...

Shorter is fine.

Longer is a BIG no no!

 

[blades67]

There are VERY few 3" loadings that offer much if anything over 2.75" loads with modern powders and wads, except price .

They offer more recoil with that higher price, let's not forget that.

 

[Denny Hansen]

Agree with Giz, ditto on Erick's missing the interaction.

You two guys have been GREAT!

Denny

 

[Tim Whittaker]

The only time that I use 3" shells is when Helga, from Helga's house of pain, is on vacation and I need to be straightened out.

 

[Spinner]

What about steel shot for water fowl though? Are 2 3/4" shells loaded with steel still gonna pack enough punch ... or do I just need to go to larger shot sizes?

I've only got 2 3/4" guns and we're only just transitioning to mandatory use of steel shot for water fowl .... so I'm not really up on the steel situation (yes I have checked, my guns are safe for steel shot).