Can I use 2 3/4" loads in an 870 Marine Magnum?

[IMtheNRA]

Hello, I was wondering if the common, non-magnum 2 3/4" ammo, such as birdshot, buckshot, and slugs can be reliably used in the 870 Marine Magnum with a 3" chamber. Are there any risks to feeding and ejection, effects on accuracy, or a buildup of plastic in the longer chamber?

 

[A Cleaner]

Yes you can. The chamber measurement is the upper limit of shell size that can fit, not a demand for that specific shell size.

Chamber 2.75 - 2.75 shells
Chamber 3.00 - 2.75, 3.00 shells
Chamber 3.50 - 2.75, 3.00, 3.50 shells

 

[Dave McCracken]

Yes. AC nailed it. One small thing, though....

In theory, patterns may not be as efficient when shorter shells are used in a longer chamber. I doubt anyone can quantify it.To quote the Mafia, "Fuggedaboudit"....

 

[Fred Fuller]

Not only can, but SHOULD. The lighter 2.75" loads will handle 95% of what you need to do with a short shotgun if not more, with less drama and cost than the roman candle 3" stuff.

It's a TWELVE GAUGE after all...

lpl/nc