Since the introduction of the 3½"-chambered 12-ga. shotgun in 1988, the 3½" 10 gauge has fallen from favor with hunters, which is a shame. The new chambering could certainly do anything that the larger stalwart could do, right? Wrong! Due to its larger bore (a nominal diameter of 0.775") and voluminous hull, the 3½", 10-ga. shotgun excels with heavy payloads of large shot. Need proof? Study the pattern results below. That’s right: 91 percent patterns (pellets in a 30" circle at 40 yds.) using 1 7⁄8 ozs. of HEVI-Shot BB-size pellets from a Browning Gold Light 10 gauge with a factory modified choke. Given the density and consistent distribution of those pellets, that’s serious stopping power. For those looking for the ultimate goose getter or predator medicine, a 10 gauge stoked with the load below should do the trick.
