New for 2020: Stoeger M3500 Predator/Turkey Special

by
posted on January 22, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
stoeger.gif

Stoeger’s M3500 has become a cult-classic waterfowl shotgun thanks to it’s Benelli-barrowed inertia system, a 3.5-inch chamber and superb reliability all for a budget price. Well, now the same gun is desirable for home defenders, thanks to the new Predator/Turkey Special buttstock that wears a pistol grip so shooters can control the gun easier with one hand. I like the full-size, no-nonsense buttstock that has enough drop at comb to align the eye along the top of the rib and enough space atop it for a good cheekweld that can reduce felt recoil.

In addition to the grip, the receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope mount that can add accuracy to slug shooting. Its 24-inch barrel provides full velocities, but remains easy to wield in tight confines. 

But at its heart, the Stoeger is a much more expensive Benelli with its legendary ARMI inertia-driven system that self-regulates no matter the size of the shell fed to it, from 23/4, 3 and even the mighty 3.5-incher. The system uses the shell’s own recoil to move the gun rearward around the heavy bolt, thereby compressing a stout spring within the bolt. Then as the spring rebounds, it rotates the bolt head which unlocks it from the barrel extension and flings it backward, ejecting a shell before picking up another one off the carrier and returning to battery. 

The bottom line is, it's fast and reliable. 

The 3500 weighs 7.8 pounds, holds 4-plus-1 shells and costs under a grand. $929; Stoegerindustries.com 

Latest

Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box
Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box

First Look: Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box

Finished with in patriotic royale blue and crimson red colors.

Mechanical Advantage

There are two things which cause you to miss. Here's how to correct both of them.

First Look: Mission First Tactical 5L Achro Sling Bag

Keep your gear on you without standing out from the crowd.

First Look: Streamlight SL-SideSaddle Light

Add a little light to your hat or helmet.

NRA Foundation Grant Program Fueling the Future

In 2024 alone, The NRA Foundation awarded $8.6 million in state fund grants.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.