3" vs 3 1/3" chamber

[cjweaver13]

I'm looking at a Browning BPS shotgun in a 26" or 28" length. The walnut version only comes in 3" chambering, but the black composite comes in 3-1/2" and is $10 cheaper. I like the look of the walnut for a traditional pump shotgun, but was thinking the ability to shoot 3-1/2 would be nice. Any real advantage though other than the extra recoil they give? If I'm honest the main purposes would be casual clay target, turkey, and maybe the occasional bird gun (duck, goose etc...) but I definitely wouldn't consider myself a waterfowl hunter or the primary use. Thoughts? Pictures just for fun


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[smit308]

After you pay the huge sum for a box of 3 1/2" shells, you'll have them for a long time. Once you fire the first one you'll realize you never want to experience that again. In my opinion 3 1/2" shells are just punishing, I have a mossberg 835 turkey gun which will take the 3 1/2 shells. After my first experience, 3" is all I use and probably 2 3/4" would be sufficient. Try to get your hands on a 3 1/2" gun to shoot before you purchase. Good luck with whatever your choice is.

Smit

[ar15jules]

I have a 3.5" gun and hunt turkey with 3". The turkey doesn't know which you are using.

[TooBigToFit]

I mean it can definitely help with nicer patterns out further. But you can also achieve that with the (very expensive) high density shot options.

Keep in mind that since you're looking at a pump gun, the 3.5" gun will have a longer stroke and distance to the forearm. Not so great if you're a T-Rex like me.

[DukeConnor]

I thought the point of 3.5" was to compensate for steel shot regs on waterfowl

[rkrcpa]

Seems like a 10ga. would make more sense at some point. The shot stack is getting pretty long in a 3 1/2" shell.

[eatmydust]

I have a 3.5" gun and hunt turkey with 3". The turkey doesn't know which you are using.

^^ This^^ I turkey hunt with my Mossberg 835 3 1/2" chambered shotgun and I have had the same results while using 3" as I had with 3 1/2" shells. And, yes they have both harvested wild turkeys.

[JenniferG]

3 inch shells are sufficient for anything you're going to hunt in PA including deer. The BPS ejects from the bottom so they must have gone to some extreme measures to get the 3 1/2 to eject reliably. It's up to you entirely but my choice would be the BPS made for 3" shells. Synthetic stocks are impervious to weather and I have a Rem 1187 with synthetic stocks but some manufacturers use cheap azz stocks that are too flimsy feeling for me.

[RockIsland]

I’ve had a 3” BPS since the mid 80’s. I used to do a lot of waterfowl hunting with it back in the day. The 3” max goose loads kick like a horse. Not sure if I’d like to shoot many of the 3 1/2 inchers.

[knight0334]

The only advantages are:

1. You can launch a near-10ga payload.
2. You have 1 more option for ammo.
3. And in your situation, the gun is $10 cheaper(actually $10.60 figuring sales tax).


3 and 3.5" shells really aren't necessary, not even in hunting. Practically every critter on earth has been killed with the 2.5" and 2.75" shells, including elephant.

Now, the cheaper price itself is worth buying it over the 3" chamber gun. Number 1 could be helpful with ducks, geese, and turkey. Number 2 could be helpful if all 2.75" and 3" shells are gone from the shelves and all there is left is 3.5".

So long as that gun cycles 2.75" and 3" fine - get it. ...save $10.60