The 20ga that I shoot is 2 3/4", which I consider a true 20ga. 3" 20ga was made to replace the 16ga and in my view does not. Same goes for the 12ga 3 1/2" trying to replace the 10ga. I prefer the 16 ga over the 3" 20ga, and the 10ga over the 3 1/2" 12ga, more for gun weight, fit and recoil than anything else. They swing and work much better for me, but to each their own.