[M.T. Pockets]

I'm not sure what gun you have picked out, if it is the pump you were looking at, then a 3 1/2" will likely be a bit longer & heavier with a longer throw than a 3" would be. That's not all bad if it doesn't bother you.

I've shot a 3" 12 guage for 25 years, either an 870 or a BPS. Two years ago I got a new autoloader that can handle 3 1/2" loads. I've shot the 3 1/2" loads some, but not much. If I'm going to do some serious long range pass shooting I grab my 10 guage. I find myself doing less and less long range shooting.

If you get a 3 1/2" gun, don't feel obligated to shoot these longer loads. If you get a gun in a 3" chamber don't feel handi-capped, it will do 99% of what the 3 1/2" will do just as well.

If you get the 3" and want to do some serious long range shooting, get some premium ammunition. I'd take a 3" load with heavy shot over a 3 1/2" load of steel any day.