If I change my barrel can I shoot larger shells?

[twofewscrews]

I'm a bit tired but I was considering buying a Mossberg 535 from my LGS (for extra parts for my 88 or making the 88 extra parts for my new 535, whatever) and realized the 535 has a 3 1/2" chamber whereas my Maverick has a 3" chamber.

If I have a mossberg 500 or maverick 88 12 gauge chambered in 3" shells, is the chamber here contained in the barrel?
If I put a barrel chambered for 3 1/2" shells on my 88/500 which is chambered for 3" shells, will my gun still function?

Sorry for the dumb questions.

 

[Howland937]

You can shoot 3" in the 3.5 chamber. 3.5 in the 3" may chamber but the empties being 1/2" longer won't clear the ejection port that's designed for 3".

 

[natman]

I'm a bit tired but I was considering buying a Mossberg 535 from my LGS (for extra parts for my 88 or making the 88 extra parts for my new 535, whatever) and realized the 535 has a 3 1/2" chamber whereas my Maverick has a 3" chamber.

If I have a mossberg 500 or maverick 88 12 gauge chambered in 3" shells, is the chamber here contained in the barrel?
If I put a barrel chambered for 3 1/2" shells on my 88/500 which is chambered for 3" shells, will my gun still function?

Sorry for the dumb questions.

You may be able to load a 3.5 shell into the chamber, but it probably won't eject out of the 3" port on the 88 once it's been fired and the crimp has opened. It likely won't feed either.

I've never understood the appeal of the 535. It has the longer receiver of an 835, but the smaller bore of the 500 / 88. The larger diameter barrel of the 835 patterns better, so if you are going to go 3.5, why not go all the way with it?

 

[TSchwab25]

The receiver might not be long enough with a big enough ejection port for ½" longer shells, if it is the timing of the ection may not work with 3.5"shells.

 

[jmr40]

Just a word of caution. When shells are advertised as 2 3/4", 3", or 3 1/2" that is the length of the shell AFTER firing and includes the crimp. The actual length before firing will be 1/4"-1/2" shorter than advertised. If you have a 2 3/4" chamber a 3" shell will chamber and fire. A 3 1/2" shell will chamber and fire in a gun with a 3" chamber.

BUT.... when the crimp unfolds it has no extra space in the chamber to go into. This creates a partial barrel obstruction. The gun may, or may not come apart with one firing, but it certainly isn't a good idea.

 

[Riomouse911]

Just a word of caution. When shells are advertised as 2 3/4", 3", or 3 1/2" that is the length of the shell AFTER firing and includes the crimp. The actual length before firing will be 1/4"-1/2" shorter than advertised. If you have a 2 3/4" chamber a 3" shell will chamber and fire. A 3 1/2" shell will chamber and fire in a gun with a 3" chamber.

BUT.... when the crimp unfolds it has no extra space in the chamber to go into. This creates a partial barrel obstruction. The gun may, or may not come apart with one firing, but it certainly isn't a good idea.

I agree. Avoid a potential issue and stick to what shells the gun was designed for from the factory.

Stay safe.

 

[Roverguy]

On top of which, the only role for a 3.5” chambered gun anymore is pass shooting geese with low cost steel ammo. Generally speaking, given modern ammo, if 3” won’t do it, it probably ought not be done…

 

[Popeye212]

On top of which, the only role for a 3.5” chambered gun anymore is pass shooting geese with low cost steel ammo. Generally speaking, given modern ammo, if 3” won’t do it, it probably ought not be done…

This is true If I can't kill a goose pass shooting with 3" HeviShot I shouldn't be shooting at it. Never did like the sound of steel rattling off a goose breast and keep flying.