I have never been Goose hunting so I guess that's why I am reluctant.

I went to McBride's guns in Austin at lunch today and shouldered them both. They both fit nicely with a natural line up for me.

The guy behind the counter was telling me not to worry about the 3.5" shells and since most people around here are dove hunters to get the Urika. I told him I was starting on duck hunting (since last year) and was considering that, but all last year I was fine shooting 3" shells and had no desire for a 3.5" shell.

They are about $300 differnce in price and I could use the difference on a pistol.

Well do what you want...looks like most of the waterfowlers are telling you to step up and get the 3.5" but if you are fine with the 3 then go for it. To me saving money should not even be partof the decision making process when it comes to a good waterfowling shotgun. If money is an issue just keep using what you got until you have enough for what you really want. A month or two after you buy whatever you end up getting that $300 isnt really going to matter much anyway.

Yeah, I have not completely made up my mind yet. I'll probably think on it until late July or August before I buy.

I guess I worded it wrong when I said I don't know if I want to pay extra for the 3.5". I guess I should have said I don't know if I'll ever want/need to shoot a 3.5" gun.

Well if you ever do it will be there if you have it. I also know a lot of guys that almost always shoot just 3.5" at ducks too. Personally I like too on bigger/deeper water where I'm worried about them swimming off if they are not killed clean.

Hold the phone. You are killing the Cajun!

You still need to get a motor and a trailer for the boat you're picking up. And the shotgun you have does just fine.

At best, I'd say you need to pick up a pump as a backup.

Besides, you ain't killed a duck yet!!!

Hopedale,

Shhh, this is money the wife doesn't know about. I figured I could buy the boat motor with money she does know about.

Alright I think I made up my mind.

- I want a light field gun for dove and quail
and
- I want a good waterfowl gun

I feel like my current gun is someplace in the middle. It is a nice gun if you only have one but not particularly outstanding at either of those two roles. It was a gift and not what I would have picked for myself with the knowledge I have now. At the time it was given to me I might have picked it. As a result I don't know if I will continue to use it in the future which means I might be buying 2 new shotguns over the next 5 years.

The Xtrema is everything you could want in a waterfowl gun:
- 3.5" capability
- easy to clean
- soft shooter
The Xtrema 2 also has:
- improved trigger
- aqua tech to prevent rusting
- optional Kick-off

I want to get an upland gun for quail and dove too. Maybe a 20 gauge.

Right now I am trying to concentrate on waterfowl and think that since that is my focus I should get the Xtrema 2 now and then start the search for an upland gun.

The only knock on the xtrema vs the 3" that I can think of is it's slightly heavier and for upland you want lighter. For me the SBEII falls works pretty good for both since its a little lighter than the Xtrema. But for the recoil shy the Xtrema is probably the way to go when shooting 3.5"...but recoil has never bothered me when I'm shooting ducks or geese.

Marcstar,

Yeah, I know it is heavier, but like I said I think I'll eventually get a dedicated upland/dove gun that will be lighter than the Xtrema 2.

yeah marc, take your SBE lovin' arse home to momma

If it was me and looking to buy just a waterfowl gun I would buy a nova. I have used the nova for the last 6 years and it has been the best waterfowl gun I have ever had. NO jams, and only one misfire in countless rounds. I am abusive to it and treat it like a LAB, and it acts like a lab and keeps on WORKING. lmao

Quote:

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and it acts like a lab

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I thought you were going to say it acts like a lab and wont leave the food bowl alone

well those that know me know I like to rib people about the reason they run labs is they can pour the juice to them and they will just keep trying to please, where as a smart dog will tell you to stick it in your.......lol

I have been shooting a 390 for several years and have not had one problem. The first week I got it I fired four to five hundred round shooting sporting clay. I did not clean it the whole weekend and had no misfires. It is an Awesome gun.