+ 1 On the Nova. Bought mine 10 years ago. It fits me perfect. Toughest gun I've ever owned. The 3 1/2 feature is nice if you ever need it. My thought is its better to have and not need, than to need and not have. And when something is happening (birds flying in, hogs or bears decide they aren't going to run) you don't feel recoil. Your brain is focused on the target. Not your shoulder. Now at the target range that's a different story.
3½ shotguns....really worth it?
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Tomcat47
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YES!
I really like the Mossberg 835 Ultimag! I had this Gun in the NWTF ( National Wild Turkey Federation) when it first came out around mid 90's I believe? I believe it had 26" or 28" barrel and it shot like a rifle.
I have had a newer 835, but I have been looking for an Older NWTF... I miss that gun something terrible.
I really like the Mossberg 835 Ultimag! I had this Gun in the NWTF ( National Wild Turkey Federation) when it first came out around mid 90's I believe? I believe it had 26" or 28" barrel and it shot like a rifle.
I have had a newer 835, but I have been looking for an Older NWTF... I miss that gun something terrible.
Jorg Nysgerrig
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Seems like no matter which length shell I go with, I can't cram more than one in the chamber.leadcounsel said:
beatledog7
Member
I've got a 2-3/4 and some 3s. Never saw the need for a 3-1/2, but I've never hunted "geeses."
peacemaker45
Member
That's funny, a lot of my guns'll fit two in the chambers.
Should you decide to handload hunting shotshells, the 3.5" will give you a higher pressure ceiling to work with and extra room to assemble specialty loads to fit your hunting needs. A lot of 3.5" loading data is available. And no you don't have to handload 3.5" hulls to the "factory level hilt." It has already been mentioned that most 3.5" chambered repeating shotguns will work with shorter shells.
Reality it comes down to - "you pays your money and takes your choice."
Reality it comes down to - "you pays your money and takes your choice."
Yes - I like the option and besides that, when I'm in the field (on the water really since I'm mostly a duck hunter) it's a rare time to enjoy. I like to do so with the best equipment (to me at least) that money can buy.
Having said this, I do not hunt squirrels or dove with 3.5s!
Having said this, I do not hunt squirrels or dove with 3.5s!
tactikel
Member
A 3.5" is a great 2nd or 3rd shotgun. I bought my Mossberg 835 specifically to shoot steel shot at geese. It came with a turkey barrel and instantly became my go to hunting gun. If you don't mind paying for Hevishot a 3" will do everything the 3.5" will do, may be quite a bit lighter, and will kick less.
Deer_Freak
Member.
When I am shooting game I am to focused on the game to notice recoil. If you really like turkey hunting I would spring for the 3 1/2" model. Head shots on turkey require great shot density. The 3 1/2" turkey load will give you unparalleled shot density.
My Maxus doesn't pattern 3.5" shells. I just stick to 3" #1 Kents. Use a Patternmaster Code Black Goose and Upland.
No issues knocking down geese "out there a ways". I prefer takin em at my feet but the world isn't perfect! Those Patternmasters are great!
In God and Glock we Trust
No issues knocking down geese "out there a ways". I prefer takin em at my feet but the world isn't perfect! Those Patternmasters are great!
In God and Glock we Trust
content
Member
Hello friends and neighbors // Yes, if you are only going to have one shotgun, the 870, why not utilize the versatility of a 3 1/2" chamber to shoot 2 3/4' and 3" shells as well.
The Remington choke system gives you even more versatility.
The availability of a Cantilevered rifled barrel and scope or a cut down HD barrel for the 870 help make your "one" shotgun many.
Compare the 2005, 870 Express, Turkey(Rem. had a rebate last year for a total cost of $325.00 +tax) to the 1953, Wingmaster with Brush barrel and there is not too much length or weight difference.
That is how I made my choice of which shotgun to leave at our hunt club for use hunting Deer (on drives or thick brush), Turkey and pests like Crows and Coyotes.
HTH, Enjoy the search, content
The Remington choke system gives you even more versatility.
The availability of a Cantilevered rifled barrel and scope or a cut down HD barrel for the 870 help make your "one" shotgun many.
Compare the 2005, 870 Express, Turkey(Rem. had a rebate last year for a total cost of $325.00 +tax) to the 1953, Wingmaster with Brush barrel and there is not too much length or weight difference.
That is how I made my choice of which shotgun to leave at our hunt club for use hunting Deer (on drives or thick brush), Turkey and pests like Crows and Coyotes.
HTH, Enjoy the search, content
I think 3.5 was an advantage when steel was the only non-lead shot you could buy, and you needed a bunch of BB shot to get those Canadas. I'd say nowadays the denser than lead shot have made the 3.5 functionally obsolete, unless you need more than a 2 ounce load and can handle the recoil.
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Snarlingiron
Member
Nope.
Looking at the new Brownings (MSRP) it's $140 more for an A5 chambered in 3.5" and $130 more for a Maxus in 3.5" (compared to the same gun chambered in 3"). I don't think this is a bad deal to get a great deal more flexibility.
In the used market (gunbroker.com) there doesn't seem to be much difference in price at all.
Just my .02.
In the used market (gunbroker.com) there doesn't seem to be much difference in price at all.
Just my .02.
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