Thread: Help please: 2 3/4” vs 3” 0/U for ducks?

Disclaimer; I am not a recoil sensitive Guy.......
....But, waterfowl and upland game shooting is supposed to be a pleasurable activity.
I use 2 3/4" shells for all my hunting. I initially bought into the hype that 3" shells and extra speed were needed when the transition to steel was made.
2 seasons of that were all it took for me to realise that the extra 1/4" and speed were, ( in my view), just sales hype, and that 2 3/4" shells would easily knock ducks down at ethical ranges. It wasnt worth the extra $ or recoil to go bigger.
Back in the days of lead shot, I used 1 1/4 oz of lead #fours with #3's for my 3rd and subsequent shots when shooting over open water at ranges up to 50+ yds.
You are lucky....You wont have any memory/experience of what it was like to drop ducks at longer ranges with lead so your learning will not be colored by previous experience.
The most important aspect of game bird shooting is to find a shotgun that fits you. Extra speed and larger loads are not going to help if the gun doesnt fit.
I repeat, the most important aspect of game bird shooting is to find a gun that fits YOU!

My advice would be to go along to the nearest Clay bird club. Most members would be willing to give you advice and let you try different guns ( especially on a practice day). Even better, join a a club and learn how to shoot a shotgun, the transition to shotguns sometimes can be difficult for those used to shooting rifles....Shotgunning relies on movement of the gun as opposed to rifle shooting where the gun must be stationary when the shot is taken. Basic stuff I know...but unless you learn the basics when you start out, you may find it difficult to become proficient.

Good luck.....and I wholeheartedly agree with your comments about rough/jump shooting with a dog. Days spent with mans best friend chasing game birds and waterfowl cant be beat.