I've got 3" and 3.5" 12 gauges that work fine...and other gauges too. The 3.5" 10 and 2 7/8" 10s have their place too. I don't have to pick one gun to fit all applications. I've done that many years ago and thankfully, I have options now. I can do it all with a 3" 12 gauge but I enjoy using different guns.
THIS!!!
Also the 12 3.5 will never equal the 10, shot acts differently in that larger bore.
Once a long time ago I found 2 boxes of 10 gauge 2 7/8" 4s back when you could use lead, they where much better duck loads than any 12 gauge offering!!
I have several 12 gauge guns, a couple of 20s and a couple of 10s, they all get used, there is no one gun do it all for me, but if there was i am sure it would be a 10 gauge that weighed 8 pound, with 28" barrels, and ejectors!
TM