The .410 hunting thread got me thinking about how we try to make one bore or gauge do what the one above it does. Like a 3" 20 trying to do what a 2 3/4" 12 can easily do. Or a 3" .410 doing what a 28 can easily do.

So my question is, are 3" shells really needed or should we just move up one size? It is not like we don't have other options in most cases. It is sad to hear guns lament being left behind while we take out others just because we have 3" shells.

Not that I would ever admit it to my wife but I could cover everything with just a 12 and a .410. Half ounce up to well more than 1 1/2 ounce, all covered by two guns. It is just too simple. Thank goodness she never will learn it from me.