Are you exploring the Stoeger M3500 shotgun models and wondering if they’re a good addition to your gun collection? The Stoeger M3500 semi-automatic shotgun is perfect for hunting expeditions and handy for self-defense should the need arise! Plus, it’s well-priced! Our Stoeger M3500 review gives you all the information you need to make a well-informed decision!
We cover the main features of this all-around shotgun its overall performance and how it holds up for keen competitors in a 3-gun shooting competition. Our list of pros and cons gives you an overview of what we like and don’t like about the Stoeger M3500. Keep reading to find out more!
The Stoeger M3500 semi-automatic shotgun is strong, reliable, and offers the shooter smooth operation. It comes with its fair share of cycling issues but these can be easily solved by breaking in the shotgun when it comes out of the box and keeping it clean regularly.
It performs well under a speed test and reaches its target most times if you’re a good shooter. The shotgun handles harsh weather conditions and some of the toughest hunting terrains without compromising on its performance. The shotgun is well-balanced contributing to better shooting performance when hunting or in the range.
The recently improved design guarantees consistent shouldering and improved accuracy when in the field. While features such as the bolt release are larger than some other shotguns, this doesn’t impact your shooting performance, especially if you’re wearing extra-thick gloves.
While the Stoeger M3500 is known for its good performance in bird hunting, many hunters commend it for shooting other animals too. This is a heavy shotgun and it can weigh you down on long hunting excursions but a quality tactical sling helps to relieve some of the carrying weight on your shoulder. Sling attachments points are available on the shotgun.
The upgraded slimmer version does allow for improved handling giving you peace of mind it will perform well when firing it.
The smaller safety catch on older models frustrates users but this feature has been improved on the new design, improving the overall performance of the shotgun. The shotgun does comply with strict gun laws, indicating that its safety features are compliant with regulations. Accessories can be used to customize and improve the performance of the shotgun to match your shooting style.
Stoeger Industries manufactures and imports firearms into the United States. While its first origin traces back to Turkey, its headquarters are now based in Accokeek, Maryland in the US. The company also has a publishing division that publishes hunting, fishing, and firearms books and videos.
Stoeger Industries is a subsidiary of Benelli USA and holds a Federal Firearms License Trusted Source Federal Firearms Licenses | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives If you intend to engage in a business involving the dealing, manufacturing, or importing of firearms, or manufacturing or importing ammunition, you must apply for a federal firearms license (FFL) from ATF. www.atf.gov for importing Uberti firearms. The company has been in the industry for many years and has owned the gun named “Luger” in the USA since 1924.
The company markets a range of hunting and tactical shotguns, pistols, and air guns. Stoeger firearms are manufactured in Brazil, Italy, Turkey, and the US. It takes pride in producing reliable firearms at an affordable price, giving shooters the action they desire without compromising on quality or value
Stoeger backs all their guns with an industry-leading 5-year warranty which indicates they have absolute confidence in all their products. The Stoeger M3500 shotgun range includes the Waterfowl, Predator/Turkey, and Snow Goose models. Besides reading our article, consider reading a Stoeger M3500 Turkey review to get an overview of this model.
The Stoeger M3500 shotgun operates with an inertia-driven system. The bolt assembly of the M3500 series has an inertia spring with a rotating locking head, two distinctive features of an inertia-driven system.
Compared to gas blowback guns, inertia-driven shotguns are less complicated with the operating system ensuring the fastest cycling and most reliable performance. However, if you’re looking for less recoil and high-volume shooting, you need to consider gas blowback guns.
If you’re a keen waterfowl, grouse, or dove hunter the inertia-driven M3500 is a good choice and includes the following benefits:
Some shooters may find the bolt extra-heavy but over time, you should get used to it. Smart engineering on Stoeger’s design team has ensured that this inertia-driven model can be fired with 3.5” and 2 ¾” shells.
With the 3-gun shooting competition Trusted Source TRY THIS FUN TEST OF SPEED AND ACCURACY, USING RIFLES, PISTOLS AND SHOTGUNS One of the fastest growing shooting sports in the country right now is the action-packed multi-gun competition commonly known as “3-gun.” www.nssf.org being one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, it’s not unusual for competitors to want to find the perfect shotgun. There’s much debate about using the M3500 in 3-gun competitions but it could run into cycling issues in the heat of the moment.
Experienced Stoeger shotgun users recommend using the brand’s M3000 for competition purposes and sticking to the M3500 for hunting. However, if you’re a firm fan of the Stoeger M3500, you can experiment with different shells for reliable cycling when participating in 3-gun competitions.
The feel of the Stoeger M3500 is good although some shooters may find the forearm and pistol grip larger than they’re used to in other shotguns. However, if you purchase the new design you’ll notice that the grip has been made thinner. The oversized charging handle and bolt release either appeal to you or it doesn’t. but they work well if you’re wearing thick or heavy gloves.
The trigger guard is comfortable even if you’re wearing gloves – overall, the ergonomics of this shotgun are pleasing for a hunting gun. The stock finish is black synthetic with an optional camo finish while the receiver finish is blued. The latest design allows for improved handling, better downrange accuracy, and consistent shouldering.
Other improved features of the new design include:
This 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun has a 26-in, 28-in barrel length and an overall length of 50” and it’s chambered for 2-3/4”, 3”. 3-1/2”. The LOP is 14 3/8, the drop of comb is 1.5’ and the drop at heel is 2.5”. Its design also includes a red front fiber optic and the shotgun is drilled and tapped with manual safety features (bigger in the upgraded version), 5 chokes, and weighs 7.5 lbs.
The overall design of the Stoeger M3500 semi-auto makes it most suitable for hunting moving objects such as birds and it works exceptionally well for close-range targets. Aesthetically, the Stoeger M3500 is pleasing to the eye with smooth finishes and rounded corners. This improves the overall feel of the gun even though the butt is slightly checkered.
Inertia-driven shotguns are known for their clean, faster cycling times and this is no different for the Stoeger M3500 shotgun. While some hunters have cycling issues, the problem can be easily solved by shooting with the heaviest loads in the beginning before going with the 3” shotshells.
Lubricating your new Stoeger shotgun at every metal-on-metal contact before taking your first shot helps to improve cycling speed as does giving it a good clean after every 100 shells. Generally, the M3500 is known for its good speed shooting capabilities although some hunters may need some time to get used to the heavy trigger.
With only three parts on the bolt operating system, cycling speed is optimum. More importantly, with fewer parts, there’s less chance of the shotgun malfunctioning or jamming and slowing or halting the shooting time altogether. The upgraded features of the M3500 design also promise improved speed shooting and are worth checking out if you’re a Stoeger shotgun fan.
One question that’s always raised when a shotgun comes in at an affordable price is the quality of the build. The Stoeger M3500 shotgun is known among hunters as a tough shotgun – it’s solid and durable, withstanding some of the toughest hunting terrains. It may show up some scratches on the black metal but if you opt for the camo pattern, you’re less likely to see wear and tear.
Its improved design ensures the gun continues to perform optimally no matter how harsh the weather or environmental factors are. For shooters looking for more affordable semi-automatic shotguns without compromising on reliability, the Stoeger M3500’s quality of build won’t disappoint!
While easier to break down compared to gas blowback shotguns, some users of the Stoeger M3500 don’t find it as simple to disassemble and assemble. Removing and inserting the trigger group pin is relatively effortless but putting the gun together is harder and time-consuming.
You may need to rely heavily on the manual when assembling or disassembling your M3500 shotgun – putting the barrel, foregaurd, and receiver together isn’t that straightforward. When it comes to ease of breakdown, new Stoeger M3500 users may find this one feature a downfall.
Shooters, in general, accept that inertia-driven shotguns have a harder felt recoil and not every hunter accepts the harder push of the Stoeger M3500 gun. Having said that, Stoeger has incorporated a new recoil pad design in their latest upgraded version and it should reduce felt recoil significantly., especially with 3” and 3.5” shells.
One of the Stoeger M3500 shotgun’s strongest selling points is its reliability. For its price, you can expect reliable performance particularly when you’ve sorted out the cycling issues from the start. It’s known for shooting straight every time and chambers smoothly no matter what you put in it.
Breaking in your new M3500 is highly recommended and you can do this by cleaning the gun as soon as you take it out of the box. This helps to remove any manufacturing oils. Shoot 100 to 200 heavy loads through the gun before taking it on a hunting trip. Once you break in your shotgun, you can rely on it to give you optimal performance every time you head out to the woods!
The cartridge release lever on the M3500 shotgun should only be used when replacing shells or if you’re emptying the tube through cycling. It can also be used if the gun is empty and not locked back. When fired, the hammer spring moves the cartridge release upwards and disengages it from the carrier latch.
The table below gives you a quick overview of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Stoeger M3500 shotgun.
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When it comes to overall performance and quality, you can’t go wrong with including the Stoeger M3500 shotgun in your gun collection. Use our Stoeger M3500 review to help you make an informed purchase for your next semi-automatic hunting shotgun. This shotgun has been a popular choice on the market and with its improved design features it continues to be an excellent all-rounder for hunting, clay shooting, and home defense.
Consider exploring the Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl, Predator/Turkey, or Snow Goose shotguns available in the brand’s firearm range before making a final decision. Reading a Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl Edition review can help you decide which model is best for your bird hunting needs. Whichever one you settle for, you’re sure to be satisfied with your Stoeger M3500 pick!
