STOEGER P3500
Posted May 19, 2023
For a long time, I have been looking for a dependable, affordable, and versatile 12 gauge shotgun to suit my needs. After much research, I settled on the Stoeger P3500 – a pump-action shotgun that is designed for shooting sporting clays, hunting, and all-purpose shooting. The Stoeger P3500 is a great choice for many different applications and I have been extremely pleased with its performance.
Whether you are a competitive shooter, a recreational hunter, or just need a reliable home defense shotgun, the Stoeger P3500 is a great choice. The Stoeger P3500 is a popular pump-action shotgun based on the tried-and-true Remington 870 design. This 12-gauge shotgun is reasonably priced and reliable, with a range of features for the more serious shooter. The gun is made from a strong and sturdy alloy frame and is available in four different barrel lengths: 26”, 28”, 30” and 32”–all suitable for various shooting styles. The Stoeger P3500 is capable of firing 3” magnum shells, making it suitable for shooting clays, hunting game, and home defense.
The first thing I noticed when handling the Stoeger P3500 was how comfortable it felt. The pistol grip is designed to fit well in the shooter’s hand, making the gun easy to handle and point. Despite its all-alloy construction, the gun feels sturdy and well-constructed with a negligible amount of play in the stock.
The action on the Stoeger P3500 is smooth and comes with a reliable dual-action bar system that ensures durability and reliability. The cross-bolt safety is conveniently located just above the trigger guard, and can be quickly manipulated even with gloved hands. This shotgun also features a convenient top-mounted shell feed port, allowing the shooter to easily load rounds into the action while maintaining a cheek weld on the stock.
After spending some time with the P3500, I found that it lived up to my expectations. The gun is easy to handle and maneuver, and is reliable and accurate. The action is smooth and the gun is capable of firing 3” magnum shells, making it suitable for sporting clays, hunting, and home defense. I have tried the gun out for trap shooting and 3-gun competitions, and have consistently achieved good scores. The recoil of the 12-gauge rounds is manageable with proper technique, and the gun is comfortable to shoot despite the heavy weight.
In terms of accuracy, the Stoeger P3500 does not disappoint. While it will never be as accurate as a bolt or semi-automatic shotgun, I am consistently hitting the center 50% of the target at 30 yards with this gun. The gun is well balanced and provides good stability during shooting – and its adjustable fiber-optic sights help with precision shooting. The front sight has a red fiber-optic rod and the rear sight has a raised portion for better aiming accuracy.
Overall, I have been extremely happy with the Stoeger P3500. The gun has proven to be reliable, accurate and is comfortable to shoot. It is suitable for both recreational shooting and hunting, and is capable of handling 3” magnum shells for those who want that extra power. The recoil is manageable, the action is smooth, and it is reasonably priced at an MSRP of only $419.
If you are in the market for a reliable, accurate, and value-priced pump-action shotgun, then the Stoeger P3500 is a great choice. It is a great value for the money and provides all the features that serious shooters demand. Highly recommended.
Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Affordable – The Stoeger P3500 is very reasonably priced compared to other shotguns in its class, making it great for those on a budget.
- Versatile – This shotgun can easily be adapted to shoot different types of ammo, allowing for more flexibility in what can be shot.
- Durable – The P3500 is designed with high-quality components that make it highly durable and reliable.
CONS:
- Heavy – The P3500 is a bit heavier than some other shotguns in its class, making it a bit more cumbersome to carry.
- Limited Mag Capacity – Compared to some other shotgun models, the P3500 only holds four shells, meaning it needs to be reloaded more frequently.
- Manual Pump Action – The P3500 makes use of a manual pump action to chamber a round, meaning that it is slightly slower than other shotguns when it comes to shooting.
Who Should Buy
The Stoeger P3500 is a reliable and affordable shotgun that is suitable for a variety of users. It is a great shotgun for beginners and experienced hunters alike who may be looking for an affordable shotgun with a durable design. It is also suitable for recreational shooters, skeet and trap shooters, and even tactical users.
People who should buy the Stoeger P3500 are those looking for a reliable, budget-friendly shotgun that can handle rigorous shooting demands. Additionally, the P3500 is suitable for recreational use and tactical tasks.
Those who should not buy the Stoeger P3500 are those looking for a competition-grade shotgun with a high-end finish. As the Stoeger P3500 is a budget-friendly shotgun, it will not offer as sophisticated features as the more expensive competition-grade shotguns. It is also not a good choice for those who are looking for a shotgun with a great aesthetic appeal.
Comparisons
| Feature | Stoeger P3500 | Stoeger P3000 | Stoeger M3000 | H&R Pardner Pump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 12 Ga. | 12 Ga. | 12 Ga. | 12 Ga. |
| Capacity | 3 + 1 | 5 + 1 | 5 + 1 | 5 + 1 |
| Barrel | 28" | 28" | 28" | 28" |
| Length | 48.5" | 48.5" | 48" | 46.38" |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs. | 7.4 lbs. | 7.3 lbs. | 6.75 lbs. |
| Stock | Synthetic | Synthetic | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Finish | Black | Black | Black | Matte Black |
| Choke | 3 | 3 | 3 | Interchangeable |
Features / Specs
- Action: Semiautomatic
- Gauge: 12, 3" Chamber
- Capacity: 4 + 1
- Barrel Length: 24"
- Overall Length: 48.5"
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Receiver: Black, Aluminum Alloy
- Stock: Realtree Max-4, ComforTech
- Chamber Finish: Chrome-lined
- Choke: Mobilchoke
- Sights: Hi-Viz Fiber Optic Front and Mid-Bead
Popular Accessories
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- Extra Magazine: Extra magazines for the STOEGER P3500 are a great way to increase your rounds and make loading easier.
- Stock and Forend: A custom fit stock and forend can enhance your shooting experience by providing improved shouldering and greater stability.
- Pistol Grip: A pistol grip will increase comfort and control when shooting the STOEGER P3500.
- Sling: A quality sling will make transporting or storing the shotgun much easier and will provide improved stability when shooting.
- Choke Tubes: The STOEGER P3500 comes with five choke tubes to help create a more accurate pattern when shooting.
- Tactical Flashlight: A tactical flashlight is a great way to help you see your target clearly in low light conditions.
- Sight and Optics: Upgrade your sights or add a scope or red dot to help you better acquire your target.
Accuracy
The STOEGER P3500 is a reliable and accurate pump action shotgun that can be used for recreational target shooting, hunting, or home defense. It is capable of delivering patterned shots up to seventy yards with double-aught buckshot and consistently produces patterned shots at typical home defense ranges. The P3500's adjustable open fiber-optic sights and a grooved rib enable a shooter to make precise shots with ease. The shotgun also features a durable, all-weather synthetic frame and an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to shoot. The P3500's reliability and accuracy make it an excellent option for both novice and experienced shotgun shooters alike.
