Did I get the right shotgun?

[Florida Cracker]

I use 3 1/2 shells regularly in my pump, but only after I installed a recoil pad. I recommend Cabela's "Shooter's Friend" or Sims LimbSaver. I find both to work well and well worth the price.

Cabela's -- Search Simple Product

[deerless]

Just because you can use 3 1/2s does not mean you have to. Shoot what is comfortable for you and of course accuracy is everything!

[Beerhunter]

Originally Posted by stoner44magnum

I'm a new hunter and just purchased a shotgun and I was wondering if I got the right one for deer hunting primarily. The guy at BassPro said it was. I live in Ohio.
I got a Remington 870 Express Magnum Combo in 12 ga.
It came with both a slug barrel and a shot barrel.

Are the ballistics and accuracy of the 3.5" slugs that much better than 3's or 2.75's to justify their added cost and recoil?

I "plink" with an old Turkish Mauser in 8mm so the added recoil really isn't that big of a concern.

The Remington 870 pump is great all purpose shotgun!
Unless it says "Super" in front of "Magnum" it isn't a 3.5 inch chamber. The 870 Magnum is a 3 inch chamber, the 870 Super Magnum is the 3.5" chamber. Shoot whatever is more comfortable to you the more comfortable you are the better you will shoot. You don't have to shoot the most powerful and most expensive slugs on the shelf. I dropped a 176 pound 7 point in his tracks at 60 yards, with a 2 3/4 inch Remington Slugger (yeah the three dollar per box ones). You didn't mention if your slug barrel was rifled or smooth bore but if it's rifled you
will want to shoot sabot slugs and if its a smooth bore you will want to shoot rifled slugs for best performance. Happy shooting!

[critter gitter]

That gun should be just fine for you.