Stoeger M3020 Upland Special
Posted May 25, 2023
After nearly six months of owning the Stoeger M3020 Upland Special, I could not be more pleased. It’s been a reliable, well-performing bird-getter from day one. Out of the box, I was immediately impressed by its sleek, modern design and clear craftsmanship. From the glossy walnut stock to the checkering along the grip and forend, it was clear that this was a gun built with care and precision. I knew with a quick glance that it was a gun that I would be proud to take into the field year after year.
The first thing I noticed upon firing the M3020 was the recoil. As a fairly new shooter, the kick was noticeable but manageable. I quickly grew accustomed to it, and in no time I could take full lead without feeling any pain. I’ve only fired a few other shotguns, and none of them compare to the balance and manageable recoil of the M3020. Even after a full day in the field, I find myself looking forward to the next session.
The field handling of the M3020 is excellent. For a semi-auto, it’s surprisingly lightweight and maneuverable. The gun points fast and swings smooth, allowing me to take on multiple targets with ease. I opted for the 28-inch barrel, and I’m glad I did as it gave me just the right balance between swing speed and accuracy.
One thing that I was initially concerned about was the capacity. The M3020 only holds three shells in the magazine, which was the minimum I was looking for when considering a gun. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to discover that the three rounds have been plenty. I rarely find myself needing more than that, and when I do I can simply stop and reload quickly with the convenient oversized loading port.
The last thing I want to mention is the reliability of the gun. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it in the past six months, and I’ve yet to have a single malfunction. Not once have I experienced a jam, misfire, or any other issue with the M3020. It’s simply a reliable, dependable shooting tool that I know I can trust to get the job done.
Overall, I could not be more pleased with my purchase of the Stoeger M3020 Upland Special. It’s a well-crafted semi-auto shotgun that looks and performs great in the field. The manageable kick, fast swing, and impeccable reliability make it the perfect tool for any upland hunter. I highly recommend the M3020 to anyone looking for a dependable bird-getter that won’t break the bank.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Highly durable, efficient, and reliable action made of chopper-lump barrels and embedded with 3-inch and 3.5-inch chamber.
- Capable of handling 3-inch shells.
- It has an excellent recoil control due to the padded stock and offered with a pleasant-looking walnut overlay.
- Effortless cocking and assembly.
- Offers superior clay-shooting accuracy.
- Equipped with 5 interchangeable choke and 28-inch barrel.
Cons:
- Limited in capacity with a maximum firing capacity of 4.
- Sometimes, the trigger group may create issues.
- May not be ideal for heavier-hitting loads.
Who Should Buy
The Stoeger M3020 Upland Special is an excellent and dependable shotgun. It is suitable for nearly any shooter looking for a great value in a shotgun for hunting upland birds, shooting clays or carrying for self-defense. It is a great gun for both the beginning shooter and experienced hunter alike.
Who should buy the Stoeger M3020 Upland Special?
• Novice shooters looking for a reliable and easy to use shotgun
• Experienced hunters looking for a great value in a shotgun
• Experienced shotgunners looking for a dependable shotgun
Who shouldn't buy the Stoeger M3020 Upland Special?
• Those wanting an all-purpose shotgun that is good for hunting and defense
• Those looking for a gun for competition shooting
• Those looking for a gun for home defense
Comparisons
| Product | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Action | Finish | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stoeger M3020 Upland Special | 28 in | 49.5 in | Semi-Auto | Nickel- Chrome | $799.99 |
| Winchester SXP Upland | 28 in | 48.5 in | Pump Action | Steel | $389.99 |
| Benelli Nova Upland Field | 26 in | 48 in | Pump Action | Walnut | $799.99 |
| Remington 870 Express | 28 in | 49 in | Pump Action | Black Synthetic | $459.99 |
| Mossberg 590 Shockwave | 20 in | 26.3 in | Pump Action | Matte Blued | $489.99 |
Features / Specs
• 12-gauge, 3-inch chamber
• 28-inch barrel
• 5+1 round capacity
• Blued finish
• Synthetic stock with right-handed ergonomic grip
• Realtree Max-5 Camo finish
• Weight: 7 pounds, 3-1/2 ounces
• length: 48-3/4 inches
• Optima HP choke tubes
• Ventilated recoil pad
Popular Accessories
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- Stoeger M3020 Upland Special 4+1 Extension Tube
- Stoeger Premium Grade Choke Tubes
- Stoeger Fiber Optic Front Sight
- Nordic Components SpeedFeed Stock
- Lyman Universal Shotgun Sight Set
- TruGlo Rail Mounted Shotgun Sights
- LimbSaver Recoil Pad
- Magpul SGA Shotgun Stock
- Precision Reflex Carbon Fiber Shotgun Barrels
- Remington Flex Tab System Forend
Accuracy
The Stoeger M3020 Upland Special's barrel is chrome-lined with a vented rib, a fiber optic front sight, and a ventilated butt-stock. The gun is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great choice for bird hunting. The gun's magazine holds 4 rounds and is reliably reliable. Overall, the Stoeger M3020 Upland Special is praised for its accuracy and precision. Many users report it is accurate as far as 40 yards. It shoots consistently tight shot groups and is great for beginning and experienced shooters alike. The gun has earned a great reputation for being dependable with an excellent level of accuracy.
