Gauge and chamber

[Bobman]

I was considering getting a new 12-gauge, 3-inch chamber just for waterfowl and turkey and was wondering if it was worth it.  I currently have a Winchester Model 1200 12-gauge, 2 3/4" chamber that I have been using for years.  I usually shoot steel and almost never take shots at more than about 30 yards.  Usually hunt dabbling ducks (mostly Mallards, teal and woodies) and occasionally take geese while duck hunting.  What do you all think and what do you use?

[USMC130FE]

870 express magnum 3 1/2"  wonderful on Geese and Turkeys  and doesn't kick that much unless you are shooting a pattern target 

[BuckShotJon]

You have a good gun now as you know. Fine for ducks all day, geese a little tougher.

I personally use a Remington 870 Super Mag 3 1/2 inch gun, 12 gauge.

At this time I still use Kent Faststeel BB. It is the best for steel out of my gun.

In the near future I will be using solely hevi-shot. Hevi-shot simply is the best shot on the market now. Changing over my reloader to bring the cost down.


Jon

[Coldfeet]

For what it is worth I have 3guns for waterfowl. A Smith and Wesson 1000 with a 30 inch barrel a Winchester 1200 and my old reliable Mossberg 500. All are will take a 3" shell and although I'm not the best shot in the world found that the 3" is good for me. If you are only takeing shots around 30 yds a 2 3/4 should be fine as long as you can hit what you are shooting at. When we were able to shoot lead shot thats all I used was the 2 3/4 with great results because it was a faster shot than the 3" With the steel we found that a few more pellets helped get a cleaner kill. I will try the heavy shot this year and see what it does. Just see if you can get a few shell from friends and patern your gun that is more important than listening to what others say. The results of paterning will tell you what is best for your conditions. I found that useing a modified choke works best for the steel now I need to patern it for heavy shot.
Cold Feet

[RGFIXIT]

Coldfeet is absolutely correct....whatever you shoot....pattern your gun with different loads to find the best for you.

RG

[PA_BOWHUNTER]

A Mossberg 835 covers both my waterfowl and turkey needs.  I haven't yet felt I needed the 3 1/2" load while shooting geese.  I currently shoot 3" Fed. Premium Steel in BBB or T shot and am happy with my results.  I have been experimenting with Hevi-Shot since spring turkey season and like the performance and will be trying it in the field on some honkers next week. 

     My suggestion to you Bobman is if your shots are kept to around 30 yards, I would stick with you current gun and shoot 2 3/4" Hevi-shot.  You will have a denser pattern and more energy, should be plenty to bring down geese and puddle ducks at those ranges.  Good luck and straight shots!!

[Bobman]

You guys are killing me !  I was hoping to get some support on the new gun theory to take back to the boss to justify another gun !  Oh well, thanks for the input everyone.

[PA_BOWHUNTER]

You guys are killing me !  I was hoping to get some support on the new gun theory to take back to the boss to justify another gun !  Oh well, thanks for the input everyone.

Bobman, never mind my previous post, I was under the influece of mind altering drugs when I posted it.  There is no way in hell your gun will work for waterfowl or anything else for that matter.  The only cure for your situation is to run out and purchase a Remingtom SP10, Hastings choke tube, Sims recoil pad, a case of hevi-shot, at least a dozen full bodied goose decoys and multiple calls. 

[Bobman]

Now you guys are talkin'  !  I like the suggestions!  Actually for grouse and woodcock I was thinking something more like this:

http://www.gmartin-auctions.com/forgett/lot.asp?lot=466&Pictures=8

Think the wife will go for it?

[PA_BOWHUNTER]

Better get a Ruger Gold Label 12 ga. with 3" chambers for pheasants.  They are thick skinned birds...

These are beautiful guns and definately on the top of my next to purchase list when funds become available.   I am a sucker for side by sides.

[Somers]

I also use the Kent Fasteel in varying sizes depending on the species I'm hunting.  Mossburg 500 w/ 3" chamber and interchangeable chokes gets me through all the seasons.