Like SOME old tractors, not all old shotguns are even equal to those I mentioned. Just as an old Massey or Allis, isn’t a Deere or IH,.....IMO, of course.
There is a lot more engineering in a 3.5" semi-auto compared to a 3" gun. Engineering = R&D money, manufacturing costs, etc. If 3" guns were the same price to manufacture then why wouldn't Savage make the gun in 3.5" to make it more versatile to a larger market (i.e. dedicated turkey or goose hunters)? My comment had nothing to do with my own hunting or shooting preferences. It was directed at the gun"s cost compared to other 3" semi-autos in an already flooded market.
You'd have married his old girlfriend based on "performance???" I'd kinda' like to see a picture now...
Yep, among the engineering differences, 3.5" guns have a higher pressure rating than 3" guns. If you never fire a 3.5" shell through a 3.5" gun you will have the inherent benefit of a safer firearm.
And 3.5” 12 gauge are loaded to maximum pressures in most factory ammo. Now, that’s maximum pressure for 12 gauge firearm components. The 10 gauge on the other hand, has alot more wiggle room to go to even higher pressures than 11k psi, which is contrary to this chart but has been proven more effective and efficient.
When I toured the Kolar factory last year, they showed me what a proof load looks like. Their guns are all 2 3/4 inch chambers but the proof loads they test their guns with are 18,000 PSI. The head gunsmith said he shot one from the shoulder once. Todays guns are capable of way more than 11,000 PSI.
I agree. Even the slowest-cycling autoloader still cycles faster than anyone here can reacquire the target, not to mention finding a second target and acquiring that.
