Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl
Posted May 19, 2023
Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl is an entry-level semi-automatic shotgun that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It is reliable, accurate and at a price point that makes it affordable for most hunters and shooters alike. I was able to test one of these guns and here are my thoughts.
First, let’s talk about the overall design of the M3500. It is made from a lightweight aluminum receiver and non-reflective matte black stocks. The stock configuration is also adjustable, so you can make small tweaks to fit how you like to shoot. The gun has a nice 2-3/4” & 3” chamber and includes five choke tubes for added versatility. The M3500 also features red fiber-optic sight with fiber inserts, Picatinny rail mounted on the receiver, and built in sling mounts on the barrel and stock. All of these features add up to a reliable and capable shotgun that is ready for whatever your hunting needs might be.
Now, on to the shooting performance of the M3500. I test fired the gun with both 2-3/4 and 3 inch shells, and I was very pleased with the reliability. There were no problems with feeding or ejecting, and the gun cycled through both cartridges flawlessly. In terms of accuracy, I was also impressed. I was able to consistently hit targets at 25 to 50 yards. I also felt that the recoil was manageable and not overwhelming. This was especially true when shooting the 3 inch shells.
At this price point, it is very hard to beat the value that the Stoeger M3500 offers. While the gun is lacking in some areas, its performance and reliability make it a great choice for entry level shotgun shooters. While the gun may not be as fancy as its competition, it still offers a lot for the money and will serve most shooters just fine.
In conclusion, the Stoeger M3500 is an excellent shotgun for those on a budget. It offers reliability, accuracy, and good value for the money. While it may not have all of the bells and whistles of its higher-end competitors, the Stoeger M3500 is still a very capable shotgun and well worth the price. I would recommend this gun to anyone looking for a budget-friendly semi-automatic shotgun that is ready for the field.
Pros & Cons
Pros
-Very reliable gun, offering great value for money.
-Very affordable compared to other comparable shotguns
-Lightweight and easy to use making it ideal for waterfowl hunting
-Available in a variety of gauges making it suitable for sporting clays and target shooting
-The barrel is threaded for choke tubes making it versatile for different hunting environments
-Uses 3-inch or 3.5-inch shells, offering improved performance and capacity
Cons
-The recoil is quite significant with the 3.5-inch shells
-Recoil pad is a bit hard, can cause discomfort for some shooters
-The stock is a bit too short, making it difficult to balance or stay on target
-The rail is not very durable, it can easily be damaged
-The safety is a bit complicated and hard to reach quickly
-Trigger pull is a bit heavy
Who Should Buy
The Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl is designed for use in competitive hunting or skeet shooting. As such, anyone who is interested in taking part in such activities should consider this gun. However, due to its higher price tag, beginners or people who do not have experience in these fields should not purchase this gun.
Comparisons
| Specifications | Stoeger M3500 Watrerfowl | Remington 870 Express | Mossberg 930 | Beretta 1301 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamber Size | 3.5" | 3" | 3" | 3" |
| Barrel Length | 28" | 28" | 28" | 24" |
| Action | Semi-Auto | Pump | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto |
| Stock | Synthetic | Wood | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 + 1 rounds | 4 + 1 rounds | 7 + 1 rounds | 4 + 1 rounds |
| Choke System | Interchangeable | Fixed | Interchangeable | Interchangeable |
| Length | 49.5" | 49" | 49.5" | 44" |
Features / Specs
•Gauge: 12
•Barrel Length: 28” or 26”
•Chamber: 3”
•Capacity: 4+1 rounds
•Stock: Synthetic with Realtree Timber camo finish
•Receiver: Anodized Aluminum with Dual Realtree Timber camo finish
•Chokes: 3 (F, M, IC)
•Safety: Cross bolt
•Overall Length: 49.2”
•Weight: 7.72 lbs.
•Sights: Redbar front sight with an adjustable steel mid bead
Popular Accessories
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- Extra Shotgun Choke Tubes
- Recoil Reduction Pads
- Multi-Purpose Sling
- Flashlight Mounts
- Shell Loaders
- Quick Release Mounts
- Sight and Scope Mounts
- Shell Caddies
- Extended Magazines
- Barrel Shrouds
Accuracy
The Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl is designed for high accuracy and reliability, making it a popular choice among waterfowl hunters. This semi-automatic shotgun is designed for smooth operation and precise accuracy with a 28-inch barrel and choke tubes. This gun was designed with a three-inch chamber, and is capable of using 2 3/4, 3, and 3.5-inch shells. The choke tubes are adjustable and can produce tight patterns with steel shot while the overall design and function contribute to the gun’s accuracy in the field. Additionally, the gun is designed to withstand adverse conditions in wet and muddy environments, making it a great choice for hunting in adverse weather conditions. All in all, the Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl is a great semi-automatic shotgun with reliable accuracy and durability.
