I cam in to this discussion late so forgive me if you already purchased a 3 1/2. The 3 1/2 has it place for those that want the extra heft, but the reason I am entering this discussion is what kind of gun top buy. I own a Browning Gold hunter with synthic stock in the 3 1/2, It is a wonderful shooting gun, but I would not recommend it on an extended hunting trip. If you do not strip it down and clean the gas jets and the slid chamber (i use 40 steel wool) you will wind up shooting a boplt action the next day.
