Stoeger 3500 Review and Range Test

[Glennfritts85]

Just bought mine for $520 up in Oregon. Can't wait to try it out. I've heard nothing but good reviews on the 3500 so here's hoping.

[MrRichardskinner]

Ran my first 50 rds of 2 3/4inch loads through mine today. Flawless feed and awesome action. This shotgun is an all around score.

[dclipe]

700? $700 people!! that is freaking insane. I was going to buy a Maxus, but I guess I'm saving $500 for ammo, and some accessories!

[1087kyle]

I've had this gun for a couple weeks now. I'm in love!!! Ive drug this with me duck hunting, crawling through ditches to jump up geese, I've put it through it and it hasn't failed me yet! Great gun

[fike301]

American Rifleman has named the Stoeger M3500 shotgun of the year. 2012

[agary8]

What's the warranty?

[fike301]

@agary8 Warranty is one year...as I said earlier Stoeger will make it right if there is a legitimate issue.

[vivalaandrew1]

I own a model 2000 and i can hang a shell under the bolt giving em 4 total shells, can you do this with the 3500?

[bm5447]

@vivalaandrew1 Yes you can do this!

[duckfanatic25]

Installed recoil reducer and makes a big difference when shootin 3 1/3 in. Magnums. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes to shoot the bigger loads.

[duckfanatic25]

Got mine 2 weeks ago and have put over 100 rounds through it and not one problem so far.

[caleb9608]

Can you shoot slugs in this?

[zxsevenrider]

Just picked one up for $599. Took it to the gun range this morning and shot 25 rounds of 3" federal black cloud 1-1/4 oz. 1450 fps #3 steel shot, and 25 rounds of federal 2-3/4, 1-1/8 oz. 1200 fps. target loads. Straight out of the box, no extra oil or anything, she fired and cycled all 50 rounds with ease! No problems at all. I then shot a few 3-1/2" 1-3/8 oz. 1550 fps.#2 steel shot and like Patrick, I would recomend the recoil reducer for the 3-1/2"!!

[KenanCs]

Could you hunt deer with this gun? I'm new to hunting and considering get this gun I've heard yes and no. I'm thinking the m3500 because its an all around shotgun. Thanks

[bm5447]

@KenanCs Yes you can hunt deer with this gun! It is a smooth bore barrel so you will not have the range and accuracy as a rifled slug barrel but you can definitely shoot slugs out of this gun.

[frankgon4]

I am not sure I understand the Recoil Reducer. I would like to have seen the video with the Recoil reducer installed and then shoot the different rounds. This is - after all - what sets it aside from other shotguns.

1) Does it handle slugs?

2) Is it smooth bore or rifled ?

3) How do you install the Recoil Reducer?

[DICEMAN60]

@frankgon4 Yes it'll do rifled slugs therefore its smoothbore. And recoil reducer is a pain in the ass to install.

[bunnybusterfoever]

I took mine out and shot it the other day I started with just 2 3/4 and it didn't cycle them did I just need to break it in more because then I ran a box of 3 in through and operated perfect and would my recoil reducer make it to where it doesn't cycle the 2 3/4 please answer back

[UberBassMaster]

@bunnybusterfoever The recoil reducer is intended just for the 3 and 3 1/2 inch loads, so that would be the reason it is not cycling the 2 3/4. Hope that helps

[MrHockeymonkey54321]

I am 13 and i am looking to upgrade to a 12 guage would this be a good gun for me?

[bunnybusterfoever]

I am going to pick this gun up tomorrow!!! been waiting a while then go shoot it and try to get a Deer with my bow!! I am so pumped!!

[Lori7477]

I just put 25 rounds of 2 3/4 at 1 1/8 ounce and 25 3 1/2 through the 26" m3500. It functioned perfectly!!! Recoil reducer is a good choice for the magnum loads! This gun was right on the money. I have alot of experience with firearms and this is one I would recommend to anyone. No, it doesn't cost $1600, but it is a high quality shotgun!

[Mozad666]

How do you install the recoil reducer into the stock?

[SirSmok3Alot225]

..crap lol....I believe you should break the gun in with a box or two of normal 3" loads. Once its warmed up it should feed the small shells no prob, as well as the 3.5" whammy loads. Can't wait to dust some pigeons with one of these. I shoot a SBE II right now which is the Rolls-Royce version of the 3500..I've been waiting for stoeger to drop this for years lol

[SirSmok3Alot225]

IbeliIbelie

[jesseg8r]

I just got mine last week and took it out to the skeet range yesterday. I had a couple of misfeeds out of the box on 2.75" 1 1/8 oz. loads on the first dozen shots or so, but after that, it operated flawlessly. I chose to install the recoil reducer before i ever fired the gun, so I don't have a basis of comparison, but I experienced very little felt recoil. I can say that the balance feels much better with the small amount of added weight from the recoil reducer in the stock.

[Mozad666]

@jesseg8r can you please tell me how you installed the recoil reducer in the gun?

[jesseg8r]

@Mozad666 Sure. First you remove the butt pad by removing the two phillips head screws through the tiny holes (they stretch). Then you just thread the reducer right on to the stock bolt and tighten with a wide flat head screwdriver. The hardest part was getting the reducer aligned properly because the end of the bolt is far up inside the stock and I wasn't able to fit my hand very far inside, but it didn't take long to get it right.

[Mozad666]

@jesseg8r Thanks that helped alot i got it in!

[bm5447]

@Mozad666 you remove the butt stock and screw the weight inside the stock. It just adds weight to the rear of the gun.

[zachh72]

YEAH!!! just picked one up last night for 641 28 inch max 4 camo haven't shot it yett but i am excited!

[fike301]

I shot some turkey loads and some more sporting clays in my M3500 today....still cycles perfect and the patterns were awesome. I shot a measured 40yds with 3.5" Hevi-13 #6shot...1.75oz, these put 170 pellets in a 10" circle. Choke was a Trulock .665 Note as Patrick states the recoil is a little harsh with 3.5" loads but not an issue when shooting at a gobbler anyway.

[zachh72]

Can you leave the recoil reducer in with Lead and steel shot i mean does it matter or do you have to take it out if you want to shoot lead or if you want to shoot steel??

[fike301]

@zachh72 The recoil reducer goes in the stock......adds weight to the rear, makes know difference if you shoot lead or steel. Myself dont see a need for the reducer, unless your going to shoot 3.5"mags all day...Im sure others will find it nice to have. I even shot 1 oz trap loads in my M3500, run perfect just like the 1 1/8oz loads. Very impressed with this Stoeger

[01234567894350]

@zachh72 you can leave it in doesnt mtter what load u use its in the stock wont do anything to your patterns or you shooting all it is a weight to lighten recoil. good for both lead and steal

[elryanoo]

@zachh72 The reducer is a piece of lead and doesn't mess with the action at all.

[fike301]

picked up my M3500 last evening, took apart cleaned all the cosmoline out....took it out today shot 75 rounds through it, cycles flawless. I shot 25 rds heavy loads 1 1/4oz then got out 50rds of 1 1/8oz loads (minimum recommended). The pins in the bolt and the bolt handle is very tight. The gun also floats the fourth round and runs perfect. My SBE 2 is a great gun, but I will tell you what this M3500 by Stoeger is great! I will pattern the turkey choke at some point soon.

[bammybound]

You got a good deal for $549 cause they're selling at my store for $699

[fike301]

@bammybound Got call today my 3500 is at the shop, just have to go this week and pick it up.....

[zachh72]

Can you leave the recoil reducer in with all the shells?

[fike301]

I ordered one of these in APG camo for $549.....will post a review soon.

[jpalma77]

@fike301 Where did yoy find it for 549 ?

[zachh72]

@fike301 Where did you find one for $549?

[fike301]

I see that this model can be ghost loaded as well....nice. Whats Benelli thinking here not fair.

[bunkerd69ab]

run 100 1 1/8 ounc 2 3/4 shells threw that bad boy please

[topgunner16]

me want that gun

[birdhunter50613]

Does the gun come with a chrome lined barrel?

[birdhunter50613]

Does it have a chrome lined barrel?

[CaptShannon]

I want one...........................­.

[ctowntex]

Going to get this gun and its going to be my first semi auto shotgun. Thanks for the review.

[fike301]

according to Stoeger website the recoil reducer is included with the gun (3500).........?

[thekentuckygunco]

@fike301

The Recoil Reducer is included.