Three inch shells in a 3-1/2 barrel

[Tom Threetoes]

This should be probably posted in the Turkey gun section but I thought it would get 
more attention here. I'm getting tired of lugging my 3-1/2 inch 870 cannon around the woods and my 3 inch 870 has a sleeved barrel that's too tight for the big TSS loads. I decided to swap barrels around but I've never shot three inch shells in the longer chamber. I know i can do the switch but do you all think it would still pattern okay?

[Tom007]

I've had very good patterns shooting 3 inch shells in all of my 3 1/2 inch guns. This has been my experience so far.....

[runngun]

Apex make a load that is 2.75 with 2 ounces of #9 to say that it is devastating would be an understatement.  They are wicked!!!!

Have a good one and May God bless
Bo

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[Big Jeremy]

You'll be fine. In fact, on multiple occasions a 3" pattern has been even better for me than a 3.5" pattern. Not with every combo, but definitely with some. The difference in payload is negligible, and still higher capacity than a 20 ga. Go for it.


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[Tom Threetoes]

Thanks guys, your answers are what I was hoping to hear!

[captpete]

I quit shooting 3 1/2" shell 9-10 years ago. My 870 shoots better patterns with 3" shells in pretty much every combo of shell & choke I've tried.

[Greg Massey]

Agree, i bet his gun will pattern better with the 3 inch shells ...

[Wigsplitter]

I agree with the rest shoot the 3 inch - I'll bet the pattern is better and your shoulder will thank you!!

[HillclimberWV]

3" longbeard patterned better for me than 3.5" in my Stoeger 3500.

[Gooserbat]

I shoot 2 3/4" out of my 3.5" gun just fine

[Tom Threetoes]

Sounds great, thanks everyone.

[Cut N Run]

  My 3.5 inch chambered gun shoots 3" shells better than anything else.  The difference in pattern density between a 3" and a 3.5" is is minimal at best.  I've had a difference in ammo brands, so definitely find what what your gun likes.

Jim

[Ihuntoldschool]

Pattern be fine.
Point of Impact probably change.

[Old Timer]

My 835 has always patterned better with 3 inch shells.

[Spurs Up]

I shoot 2 3/4" out of my 3.5" gun just fine

Me too. Some of the experts (I'm not one) will tell you that you lose a little velocity when shooting a shorter shell in a longer chamber. Dead turkeys can't tell the difference.