3'' or 3 1/2"

[SFDdelta1]

my browning gold hunter will not cycle 3 1/2 shells it will not close the bolt on the second shot one of my best friends has one and has the same problem. Thinking about finding a old auto 5

[RNAIL]

Go to Lakeway and get those Kent 2 3/4 #2 or #3's and they work fine over the decoys. 3" are much better if you are in the open water for the longer shots. Experment with the chokes and find out which load shoots the best in your gun, that where the meat gets on the table, is that solid pattern of shot hitting the duck. Good Luck

[featherduster]

Good quality 2 3/4 is all you need. Any quality 2 3/4 will be a higher velocity shell than a 3 or 3 1/2. Higher velocity, more penetration just a fudge less shot density.

[Hunkerdown]

I shoot both 3" and 3 1/2" . The deal is that hunting wide open rice fields, the ducks sometimes are skiddish, and I need a little something extra to coax them on in and the 3 1/2 #2's do the job.

[Sprig]

3" with BB's Work like a charm,

[Sasha and Abby]

All I ever shoot is 2 3/4" over decoys.

[Dutch Dog]

This year I decided I would go with some lighter shells (3"). I can tell you that the 3 1/2" shells make a difference. Yes, they kick a little more, but come on fellas, It ain't THAT bad. It will indeed tear a duck up if it is shot at close range, but so will 2 3/4" and 3"shells. I didn't make up these absurd laws forcing us to shoot steel shot, I am simply a victim of circumstance. In order to make clean kills (at an affordable level) I am going to shoot 3 1/2" shells. I shoot the cheaper brands (kent and estate) so it isn't that expensive. I do have some 3" shells, and if the ducks decide to decoy in close for us I will put one of them in for the 1st shot, but after that I'm going with the heavy artillery. If the ducks ever decide to really start working right I am going to get some 2 3/4" 20 ga steel shot and try that just for kicks and grinns. My grandfather has an old remington 1100 LT 20 that I shot on my 1st duck hunt with him and I have been chomping at the bits to get it out and shoot it one more time. That was back when we were on the point system and lead was legal! Seems like it was back in 1980 or so....shwew that's a long time ago.

[GulfCoast]

Clean the bolt ramp on that browning and you should not have any trouble. I have a pair of 'em with about 35,000 rounds trough them (combined) with no problems at all. I only shoot the 3.5's at snows, but they will shuck them out all day. If cleaning the bolt ramp/rails does not do it, send me a PM and we can figure it out. There are only a couple of things that it could be.

[Nitro Mag]

I have heard of those Gold Hunters with that problem. Local gun smith said that he has had many with weak springs. Hes replaced the spring and no more problems with the gun. I agree that those A 5s are hard to beat though.

[featherduster]

If that Gold has seen much water, take the stock off and check the action spring. Could be crudded up in there.

[duckhnter2003]

I am a big fan of the 3 inch shell. I use to shoot 3.5 inch shells but one day i went to get some new shells and i was running low on money so i grabbed a box of 3 inchers. That next morning i hit more birds than i ever have. Not sure if it was look, coincedence, or the shells. Although from what i have researched and heard others say is that the 3 inch shells are faster than the 3.5 inch shells, so that could definately be a plus. I guess the down side of the 3 inch shells is that they dont have the knock down power of the 3.5 inch shells. Thats my story and im stickin too it lol.

[bust em]

If you decide on 3and a half(like you should)shoot #1's and fold ducks.If you are any kind of shot you will only shhot a max of 15 times a day to kill a limit.If that hurts your shoulder you may want to stick to trout fishing.

[backwater]

I agree...3 1/2 is overkill unless you're shooting geese.

[goosebruce]

3 or 3.5 inches? I thought this post wuz on penis sizes.

Really, do you need to ask someone what size shells to buy? Just buy sum bullets, the longest that will fit into your gun. If you seem to be killing the ducks too dead, then buy shorter ones.

Tearing ducks up? Quit shooting them on the water guys.

Lil secret tip of duck hunting... if a duck is too close your afraid yur brownie xv2 or whutever the hell ya'll are talking about is gonna tear the $#!+ out of them, shoot the back of the flock. If you shoot from back to front, you #1 wont shoot the duck your other 3 xv2 shootin buddies just shot & #2 you got a chance for mulitple close range kills.

Your bullets are hard to put into your gun? $#!+ man, eat your wheaties.

And my last final wurd of wisedom on this silly ass subject is, the ultimate long range duck load still is, and always will be, a kick ass black dawg. travis

[dukdawgn]

SO when do you have to take Ronnie his dog back? BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!