3in shells vs 2 3/4 for dove

M4A1

Active Member
Mar 23, 2023
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Greater Los Angeles
I was talking to a friend the other day, coordinating for the dove opener. He said that he's been told by CDFW that 3in shells aren't to be used for dove, just 2 3/4. This didn't sound right to me, and I went back and checked the regs. I couldn't find anything that said you couldn't use 3in shells. Did I miss something? Has anyone else heard of this?
Only thing I saw was that you can't use anything larger than #2 shot except for turkey.
 
I tell you what..When I shoot this guy this year..he,s getting 3 inch mag #2's!! Don't let his good looks fool you...he,s a tuff SOB...keep shooting until they are dead...come on Sept 1st!!!
 

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I was talking to a friend the other day, coordinating for the dove opener. He said that he's been told by CDFW that 3in shells aren't to be used for dove, just 2 3/4. This didn't sound right to me, and I went back and checked the regs. I couldn't find anything that said you couldn't use 3in shells. Did I miss something? Has anyone else heard of this?
Only thing I saw was that you can't use anything larger than #2 shot except for turkey.
You can use any gauge, shot size or shell length for doves. Just has to be non lead. Only shot size restrictions are for waterfowl. No one should use 2's or larger for turkeys.
 
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I like concussion grenades. they eliminate any shot in the dove.
 
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Shoot what you want, waste all the money you want, trash your birds if you want to. Your buddy is clueless.

Good luck
 
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If hunting Euros only, I like to bump it up to 2.75 #6s, unless they are in your face then the 7s work just fine.
 
If hunting Euros only, I like to bump it up to 2.75 #6s, unless they are in your face then the 7s work just fine.

Most the shots this summer have been fairly close (they like spinners), but I still like 7's............... ;)

ps...While in Montana, I found Winchester 6 1/2 and 7 1/2's...They shot great on euros too............:blush:



IV Euros 7-21-22.JPG
 
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12 gauge 2 3/4" 1 or 1 1/8 oz #7's is more than enough for soft feathered doves...I shoot a 20 ga 2 3/4" 7/8 oz #7's................ :blush:

Attend one of the upland seminars that are around right now or attend a NWTF meeting in San Diego..........;)



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Steve, is than an A5? I recently picked up this Remington model 11 sportsman in 20 gauge and I love it. I wish I could shoot steel out of it
 

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Steve, is than an A5? I recently picked up this Remington model 11 sportsman in 20 gauge and I love it. I wish I could shoot steel out of it

Yes, it is...Fixed modified...And, no reason you can't shoot steel out of your Mod 11.

I have a couple of Rem 11-48's and have shot steel thru both with fixed modified...Your Mod 11 should have a modified barrel as well...If it has a full, you can go to Duncan's Gun Works and for about a $100.00, you can have it bored out to modified.

Love these old guns....... :heart:
 
Yes, it is...Fixed modified...And, no reason you can't shoot steel out of your Mod 11.

I have a couple of Rem 11-48's and have shot steel thru both with fixed modified...Your Mod 11 should have a modified barrel as well...If it has a full, you can go to Duncan's Gun Works and for about a $100.00, you can have it bored out to modified.

Love these old guns....... :heart:

It has a fixed full choke. I was considering having it bored out but I was under the impression that the Remingtons older than the 50s or so the barrels are softer and could not shoot steel. Mine is from 1936.



Side note NRA has a short documentary on these Remington auto shotguns that was very interesting.
 
It has a fixed full choke. I was considering having it bored out but I was under the impression that the Remingtons older than the 50s or so the barrels are softer and could not shoot steel. Mine is from 1936.



Side note NRA has a short documentary on these Remington auto shotguns that was very interesting.

Well, beings my dickhead brother Dick, Mom named him right, sold mine when I was in the navy, it's not something I have to worry about.
 
It has a fixed full choke. I was considering having it bored out but I was under the impression that the Remingtons older than the 50s or so the barrels are softer and could not shoot steel. Mine is from 1936.



Side note NRA has a short documentary on these Remington auto shotguns that was very interesting.


I do believe the steel barrels were better in those days...Personally, I wouldn't worry about it as long as you have it bored out...I have shot steel in my 1949 Rem 11-48 many times...Just keep the pellets small...6's thru7 1/2's.... :blush:

Per Field & Stream.... "any nitro-proofed gun (essentially any gun safe for smokeless ammunition) can be safely fired with so-called “standard steel”loads. To prevent a ring bulge from forming on the barrel, they recommend steel be shot through nothing tighter than a half (Modified) choke. That's it".
 
I do believe the steel barrels were better in those days...Personally, I wouldn't worry about it as long as you have it bored out...I have shot steel in my 1949 Rem 11-48 many times...Just keep the pellets small...6's thru7 1/2's.... :blush:

Per Field & Stream.... "any nitro-proofed gun (essentially any gun safe for smokeless ammunition) can be safely fired with so-called “standard steel”loads. To prevent a ring bulge from forming on the barrel, they recommend steel be shot through nothing tighter than a half (Modified) choke. That's it".
Good to know. I also have an 11-48 20 gauge from the 50s that was my great granpas. Also a fixed full choke. I’ve thought about boring that out but I don’t want to change that gun. He killed so many birds with it the checkering is wore out and I can’t help but keep it original
 
I just had my browning 20 gauge opened up for 3" shells and forcing cone lengthened for steel shot. I did that to my 101 30years ago
I just dug my gear out. Chairs, ice chests, camo, shells, loaded 20 gauge to go shoot some skeet tomorrow. Need to see how it patterns with barrels modified. Cannot find my decoys. The buy going with me has decoys.
 
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