shot big enough for honkers?

[timmyswetarded]

can anyone tell me if 3 1/2 inch #2's are big enough for canadians? or do i need to step it up to BB size? cause i want to use these for ducks too....

[Catt]

I shoot ducks/geese with an Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight pump 12 ga. Chambered for 2 3/4 and #2 steel shot.

[timmyswetarded]

ouch i'd hate to be shooting any featherlite with duck loads.....i feel bad for your shoulder

[Siebert Outdoors]

I always shot 1's for that. but dont shoot them close.

[Catt]

A little history lesson

The Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight is one of the finest pump shotguns ever built it was used in Vietnam by U.S. tunnel rats (ask your daddy to explain). You could shot it single handed with 00 buck shot magnum loads that's why it was chosen, it was later replaced by the Remington 870 another light shotgun. The Model 37 is an excellent choice for duck hunting since it ejects the spent shells downward into the blind instead of outward and onto the ground where the ducks can see them.

Tommy T.

[bassnleo]

can anyone tell me if 3 1/2 inch #2's are big enough for canadians? or do i need to step it up to BB size? cause i want to use these for ducks too....

If you are shooting birds that are decoying you'll be fine with the loads you mentioned. IMHO, the 3 1/2" may actually be a bit much for birds that are 30 yds or less, I would consider just using 3" loads, your shoulder and wallet will thank you!

Now, for birds at a longer range or pass shooting you may see better results with the 3 1/2 " loads. The size 2's are ok, BB may be a little better for longer geese but with the 2's you have a good in between size for ducks and geese.

Whack em!

[bassnleo]

I shoot ducks/geese with an Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight pump 12 ga. Chambered for 2 3/4 and #2 steel shot.

Catt, that's a fine gun and load for ducks! For years that's all I used for decoying mallards. Some of those 2 3/4" steel loads are faster than 3" or 3 1/2 " shells, your just getting a lighter load and have to be more accurate.

For smaller ducks like teal and woodies I still use 2 3/4" loads...

[fishbear]

A little history lesson

The Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight is one of the finest pump shotguns ever built it was used in Vietnam by U.S. tunnel rats (ask your daddy to explain). You could shot it single handed with 00 buck shot magnum loads that's why it was chosen, it was later replaced by the Remington 870 another light shotgun. The Model 37 is an excellent choice for duck hunting since it ejects the spent shells downward into the blind instead of outward and onto the ground where the ducks can see them.

Tommy T.

Catt, as a trained gunsmith, I could not agree more about the Ithaca.  It is a fine weapon and I know many a hunter who will spend whatever it takes to get one fixed rather than buy a new shotgun.  They are like the 870's in that they are very durable, shoot extremely well, and were designed to lessen felt recoil.  

[timmyswetarded]

i wasnt coming down on the gun, my grandpa had one and it was incredible....i just remebered how light it was and thought that for myself the kick (3 1/2" mags) would be too much, i shoot a benelli nova so im used to a little heavier gun....sorry for the confusion, oh and the nova was designed for the military also...

[Tom Bass]

Have you shot 3 1/2" Mags through it yet?

Man, my shoulder hurts just thinking about it. The Nova I mean.

[jayhawkfishin]

Tom Bass

Timmy shot 3.5 in mags this morning in it.  We didn't get anything thought.  

We both shot 3.5 in mags.  You really don't notice recoil when your focused on hitting your target.  Just target shooting my shoulder would be killing me but when your out at the marsh recoil is the last thing on your mind.