can a double barrel shotgun (side by side) use 3 1/2 shells?
Update:
in fact the only writing i can find on it is the serial number. whatever the manufacturer was ( the guy i bought it from years ago didn't know) didnt even put its logo or name anywhere on it.
Update 3:i can shoot 2 3/4 and 3" shells from it perfectly fine. they dont crack, bulge and they open up completely
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I have never heard of any double barrel that was made with 3 1/2 inch chambers. Some single shots are, like NEF, but I doubt any doubles are. Regardless if yours isn't clearly marked as being a 3 1/2 inch then no. And if it doesn't say 3" then it's only a 2 3/4" gun. I have 2 old double barrels that were made in the days when there were no 3" shells. So they're not marked at all, because 2 3/4" was the only option. Most newer guns though will be clearly marked as to what they can handle. Just because you've been able to fire some 3" shells in there without it blowing up in your face doesn't mean that it won't some day. The length of a shell refers to the length of it AFTER it has been fired and the crimp opened out. So it's pretty easy to get a 3" shell (which will be well under 3" before being fired) into a gun that can't handle it.
Your question - is like asking if a bowl can hold two cups of water? The answer - all depends on the SIZE of the bowl. The answer to your question depends on what SIZE the chamber is. Not all double barrel shotguns have the same chambers. What works for one company - another company may not offer that size.
As a rule - the gauge and correct shell size is always stamped on the side of the barrel or firearm. If your shotgun is so old that this is not stamped on it - the answer is not only 'No', it is 'Hell NO!'. Because only the newest and most modern shotguns can handle the extra power from these shells.
Read on the barrels what it is chambered for. Some use only 2 3/4" other 3" maybe some use 3 1/2"
If the barrel markings indicate a 3 1/2" chamber, then yes. If not, then no.
1) RTFM
or
2) Look on the barrel, that information should be stamped there.
3) If you do not have a manual and the barrel is NOT stamped, then, no, only standard load 3" shells may be used.
If it is designed for 3-1/2 inch shells, then yes. Else no.
Does it have 3 1/2 inch chambers?
If it has 3 1/2 chambers it can. If not, it can't.
You're allowed to own a gun? Scary!
Zabala of Spain are the only company making side by sides in 12 3.5"
can't find any companies that offer such a gun, all offer 3", but none 3 1/2". you could get one custom, but I guess that's obvious.