Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Edit-3 inch will be fine for duck hunting. You don't need a 3 1/2 inch.
True - you don't necessarily NEED 3.5", but it is nice to have that option without having to buy another gun. If you find that you really enjoy duck hunting, you may decide you want to go on a goose hunt, and a 3.5" shell is the load of choice for most goose hunters I know. The 3.5" load also gives you a longer range for ducks, so if you have a tendency to either over-estimate your abilities or under-estimate the range, the 3.5" is your friend.