Shotgun Shell Lengths (Why so many?)
I'm a bit puzzled about shotguns....There's 2.75" shells, 3" shells, and 3.5" shells, right? Is there a type of shotgun that will safely use all three sizes of shells? Or are shotguns strictly shell-length-specific in that you buy a 3" model, that's all you can use? And is it really necessary to have three different shell lengths in the first place?
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all 3 shell sizes are necesary for different applications if all you are doing is going out to shoot sporting clays and such 2 3/4 is perfectly fine however if you are after high flying ducks and geese the 3 1/2 gives you just that much mure reach and knock down power. There are many shotguns that are designed to handle all three shell lenghts here are a few just as examples, benelli- super black eagle, and nova pump, remington 11-87 sp, beretta a391, and mossberg 935 autoloader. There are many more I am sure but those are the ones I was able to pull off the top of my head. 0 -
And these are just recent, US shell lengths. The Brits used (and still do) different lengths of shells such as 2.5 inch 12 gauge.
My heros have always killed cowboys.0 -
As gogolen said, the different shell lengths are made for different application.
I have a Benelli Super Black Eagle chambered for 3 1/2" shells which means it will handle any length 12ga ammo. If a gun is chambered for 3", for example, it can shoot 2 3/4" and 3" but not 3 1/2. A shotgun can handle the length of shells it is chambered for including shells shorter, but not longer than the chambering.
When I dove hunt I use only 2 3/4" shells as they are plenty powerfull enough for doves.
When I duck hunt I use 3" ammo, and for geese I use 3 1/2" as the shots are usually longer and the target heavier.
Since steel shot is required for waterfowl it helps to have the longer shells as steel does not carry its energy as well as lead shot.
Never let school interfere with your education!0 -
Steel shot sucks azz. I hate having to use it, but I'm too cheap to buy hevi shot.. 0 -
And then I have a double barrel shotgun chambered for the 2& 9/16 16 ga/ shells. 0 -
I have some 2" .410's arround here, and don't forget the 2 7/8" 10 ga.
My border collie is smarter than your honor student.0 -
Then you have to remember that all the lengths are different in Europe too! 0 -
Funny thing about our 12ga american ammo. The lengths are not actually what they seem to be.
2 3/4" are actually 2 1/4"
3" are actually 2 1/2"
3 1/2" are actually 3"
No kidding, get out your tape measures.
Never let school interfere with your education!0 -
The lengths are for the fired case. But that isn't exact either. 0 -
To add what LaredoLefty said, he's right that some guns will fire all common US type shells within its gauge, but while some will chamber it, they won't cycle correctly. If you are wanting a gun that'll do it all, I'll give another big thumbs up to the Benelli Super Black Eagle. Mine would be the very last gun I got rid of... 0
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