OK everyone…It’s time for me to upgrade from my 870 express that I’ve had since my 12th birthday to a gun that is specific to waterfowl.
Questions:
I’ve never ever , EVER needed to shoot 3.5"'s…I’ve killed everything from Ducks to Geese to Pheasants on 3"…but my man card says I need one. Thoughts?
I’ve been eyeing a Stoeger M3500 simply because it’s inexpensive, and I won’t squeal like a little girl if I drop it in water (and because the Max4 looks amazing), or get a little mud / dirt on it. I’ve shot with Benelli’s before, and I can’t even shoot straight because I’m afraid I’ll get it dirty.
I’ve also looked at TriStar, Mossberg, and Franchi…any experience with Stoegers, or any other brand I’m missing?
Stoeger is a POS. No it isn’t a Benelli, doesn’t shoot like a Benelli nor is is made like a Benelli no matter what comments may be made. It’s a cheap, terribly made gun. You don’t need to shoot 3.5’s for anything in this state or most places for that matter. You 870 is twice the gun you are considering buying.
Mossberg makes a good no frills utilitarian gun. Rugged and well made, just not real nice on the fit, finish and feel to me.
Franchi is the best that you listed as far as feel, fit and quality.
I’d be more afraid of dropping a cheap gun in the water and watching it rust in front of my eyes than saving my money and buying a good gun that is made with high quality components.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
I’ve had a stoeger 2000 12 ga 3" for about 10 yrs or so. I’ve had no problems with it at all. I bought it to duck hunt with and for the same reason you are looking at them cheap and want really hurt if it ends up in the salty drink or pluff mud. I’ve done both, shook the water out and kept on hunting.
I will agree with saltydog that it is not the best made gun but it fires every time I pull the trigger.
Only reall advise I can give is to get the synthetic stock from the get go. I got the walnut and it cracked after two years and a drop to the pavement.
Salty235, is silly at times. A man card should tell you that you don’t need a 3.5 inch. Look into Beretta, if you can find an older Urika. I haven’t shot the newer lines of the A’s. Personally I never have got the thought of a “beater” gun, nor “if it gets dropped in water”.
The new Beretta A400 is a dream to shoot. The gas system works flawlessly it will shoot anything from a 7/8 oz to 3-1/2. The kick off system is a plus when shooting heavy loads with very little felt recoil. I have a 12ga and 20ga, and these guns shoot faster than any semi-auto shotgun I have ever shot. The only draw back is the $.
Look for an older 391 Urika II or the new A-300. I shot the A-300, it is similar to the 3901 Beretta made in the mid 90’s. The gas system is close to the 391’s. The A-300 is 2-3/4" and 3" only, so not capable of shooting 3-1/2’’. The A-300 is a great gun for the money.
Salty235, is silly at times. A man card should tell you that you don’t need a 3.5 inch. Look into Beretta, if you can find an older Urika. I haven’t shot the newer lines of the A’s. Personally I never have got the thought of a “beater” gun, nor “if it gets dropped in water”.
Salty owns and shoots more guns than you have. Salty knows a POS, utilitarian gun and a finely made gun better than most on here. Salty’d also rather save his money and buy something worth a crap than throw it away on junk. Salty owns, Benelli’s, Beretta’s, Brownings, Franchi’s, Parker’s, LC Smith’s, Rugers, Remingtons, Kreighoffs, Mausers, Sterlingworths, etc. Salty doesn’t own a Stoeger for a reason.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne