Well said Canvasback and Old Colonel. And agree with Mike Harrell about reloading. Not only does it solve the problem of 2.5-inch shell scarcity, it enhances the whole experience even for standard-length shells. I enjoyed taking a few doves this past weekend with my LC Smith 12 gauge, choked full and full, using 2.75-inch reloads: 7/8 ounce #7.5 in left barrel, 7/8 ounce #8 with x-stream spreader in right barrel. Perfect for those high-flying late season birds.