I would have to disagree on the usability of the 2 1/2 inch .410. If you need the 3" shells, you should be using a 28 gauge. I have found that I regularly shoot with 2 1/2 inch shells and do just as well as I do with the 3" stuff. I hunt, shoot skeet, and shoot sporting clays with my .410 pump. While I can use 3" shells in it, I never do. My reloader is set up for 2 1/2 inch, and that is what I use. The .410 is made to deliver 1/2 oz of shot. I see no benefit in stretching that. I feel the same way about 20 gauge, by the way. Grab the 12 if you need more than 7/8 - 1 oz in the 20.