STOEGER INDUSTRIES, INC. M3500
Posted May 19, 2023
Stoeger Industries, Inc. M3500 Semi-Automatic Shotgun Review
The Stoeger Industries M3500 Semi-Automatic Shotgun has been providing shooters with reliable performance at a very affordable price since 2008. The gun is well-known among shooting enthusiasts for its reliability and accuracy. It is one of the most popular shotguns on the market and is preferred by many hunters for taking down large game. The M3500 has become increasingly popular among 3 – gun competitors due to its reliability and affordable price.
Despite its low price, the M3500 is a well-crafted shotgun comprised of already proved engineering. It is an undisputed leader in the semi-automatic market. The first thing that stuck out to me when I took it out of the box was the solid construction and the attention to detail. The gun is all black with a non-glare finish and features a chrome-lined barrel and chamber. Additionally, the gun is fitted with a four-way adjustable shim system, which allows for easy customization when sighted in.
The M3500 is a gas-operated semi-automatic with a 3-inch chamber. It is chambered in 12-gauge with a 5+1 capacity. The barrel is 28 inches in length and is fitted with a ventilated rib. The gun is fitted with a red fiber optic front sight and a fully-adjustable rear sight. Additionally, the gun is fitted with a durable black synthetic stock and forend that are light and ergonomic. The stock has a convenient adjustable comb and recoil-absorbing pad, which help to reduce the felt recoil.
In terms of performance, the M3500 is a reliable, accurate, and consistent performer. Its gas-operated system ensures smooth cycling and quick follow up shots. The semi-automatic action also reduces the perceived recoil and allows shooters to stay on target with little effort. The gun's trigger is also adjustable; this allows users to further customize the gun to their liking.
In terms of accuracy, the M3500 is more than enough for most shooters. I fired several rounds off at the range and was pleased with the results. All of my shots were on target and the gun had minimal recoil. I even fired a few slugs through it with surprising accuracy.
The M3500 is also well-made and well-maintained reliable gun. After a few hundred rounds through it, I still find it on-target and without any malfunctions. The gas system works flawlessly and cycles each round without any hangups.
The biggest downside of the M3500 is the stock; it is made of plastic and doesn't feel as robust as other stocks. Additionally, I've noticed that the recoil-absorbing pad is a bit too firm for my taste.
Overall, I'm very pleased with my Stoeger Industries M3500 semi-automatic shotgun. It is a reliable, accurate, and consistent performer that can be purchased at a very affordable price. It is definitely worth considering if you are in the market for a semi-automatic shotgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Reliable pump-action shotgun with smooth light recoil
-Versatility across a wide variety of shooting platforms
-Lightweight construction
-Affordably priced
-User friendly design features
-Comes with an adjustable length of pull
Cons:
-Weight is slightly greater than others in the same category
-The cheek rest can be uncomfortable for some users
-The plastic trigger guard is somewhat flimsy
-Limited ammunition capacity
Who Should Buy
The Stoeger Industries M3500 is a semi-automatic shotgun designed for hunting and sporting use. It is well-built, reliable, and reasonably priced. Therefore, it is a good choice for people seeking an all-purpose shotgun for either hunting or sporting use. It is popular with waterfowl and turkey hunters.
However, the Stoeger M3500 does have a few drawbacks. The most significant one is that it is not very suitable for home defense due to its length. This is because it is a long gun and it can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Therefore, people looking for a gun for home defense should not buy the Stoeger M3500. Likewise, people who are on a tight budget may want to consider other options, as the Stoeger Industries, Inc. M3500 is relatively expensive.
Comparisons
| Product | Gauge | Chamber Size | Magazine Capacity | Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STOEGER INDUSTRIES, INC. M3500 | 12 Gauge | 3.5” | 4+1 | 7.3 lbs | 48” |
| Benelli M2 | 12 Gauge | 3" | 5+1 | 7.2 lbs | 48.25" |
| Franchi Affinity | 12 Gauge | 3" | 4+1 | 6.5 lbs | 48” |
| Beretta A400 Xplor | 12 Gauge | 3.5" | 4+1 | 7.4 lbs | 47.8” |
| Browning Maxus | 12 Gauge | 3.5” | 4+1 | 7.1 lbs | 49” |
Features / Specs
• 12 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun
• 28” vented rib barrel
• Black synthetic stock
• Realtree® Max-5® camouflage
• Fiber Optic front sight
• Red-bar front sight
• Trigger locking system
• Five choke tubes (IC, M, F, XFT, SK)
• 3 1/2” chamber
• Sport or field configuration
• 4 + 1 capacity
• Extended, ported Optima HP® Choke tube
• Truglo red/green fiberoptic sight
Popular Accessories
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The most popular accessories for the Stoeger Industries, Inc. M3500 shotgun include a recoil pad, a forend grip, a magazine extension, an improved bolt handle, an improved trigger, a magazine loader, an extended tube magazine, a raised comb cheek piece, and a scope mount.
Accuracy
Stoeger Industries, Inc.'s M3500 is widely praised for its accuracy. The gun's large barrel and gas operated action allows it to cycle reliably and consistently with minimum felt recoil, making it great for shooting at targets. The adjustable 3-choke system allows the gun to deliver tight patterns with the desired type of ammunition. The barrel features a ventilated rib with interchangeable front and mid beads, allowing for easy sight alignment. The synthetic stock with a close-radiused pistol grip ensures maximum comfort and stability. Overall, the M3500 is a great shotgun for target shooting and skeet shooting.
