[MPLSretriever10]

I would say overall balance of the gun is a major factor with the recoil reducer as well. The gun seems to be a little front heavy without it but once the recoil reducer is in everything seems to even out nicely (I actually don't mind recoil, lets you know you are shooting a gun and adds to the thrill IMO). I think its good to have it in at all times anyway because who wants to unscrew the shoulder pad and then screw/unscrew the reducer in or out when changing loads??

 

[duckdozer]

Guys I bought the 7shot tube from carlsons I didnt put thier follower in because it looked like it might keep 1 shell from being allowed in the tube. Total with one in the chamber and floating one I get 9 3" shells. Like when I bought the one for my Charles Daly (remington threads) I had to make a schim out of a 3/4" pvc coupler I cut about 3/16ths off and used that small piece in between the mag tube nut and the barrell lug and tightened the mag tube nut down. Of course I painted it to kinda camo it up to match my gun, I also put my own little mark on it as well.

Here are both of my guns ready to go, with the 2 of them I have 18 rounds at my disposal.

 

[Scotty64]

On the reviews, GOOD JOB. I recently purchased one since I was fairly new to hunting and did not have a crap load of money to spend. I had shot my buddies X2 which was a very nice shotgun. I bought the M3500 because it was very much like shouldering the X2 in my opinion. I have ran 2 cases of shells through my (all 3 1/2) not one flaw in the gun other than the recoil reducer coming loose. It was easy to fix, just tighten it.
I agree maybe the gun may not be prefect in 5 yrs as the other post suggested, however for the moneyn Scannot beat it. I am not comfortable with pumps and like the autos. I bought the kicks high flyer for mine and will not birds down with the best of the expensive guns. Snow geese drop like rain with this gun at 40-50 yrds.
I guess like anything there are people out there that think if it is not expensive it is not worth the money. I like the gun and that is all the matters. I would suggest the gun to anyone!!! :thumbsup:

 

[duckdozer]

Just got back from my snow goose trip, ran 6 boxes through it mostly at 9 rounds at a time, tried to melt the barrel twice but it held up. If I was firing one shot I was firing all 9, I didnt buy my case to bring it back home! It handled flawlessly, never got loose never jammed, never didnt go BOOM! After 1 season of my ridiculous abuse I would say that I have a keeper. Time to clean her out this weekend.

 

[fowlhunter]

If I was firing one shot I was firing all 9, I didnt buy my case to bring it back home!

Yes you did. LOL!! Made me laugh every time.

 

[MPLSretriever10]

I also just got back from my snow goose hunt. I had no cycling issues running 8 shots through it at a time.. in fact they cycled very quickly and smooth. I did run into one major issue twice that concerns me. On 2 separate occasions (big flocks of snows) the first shot went click.. not Bang like it should. I had to rack the new shell in and go from there (very frustrating with 100 snows in your face). The first time I thought it was something I did or just the shell didnt fire.. but I tried different shells and did everything correctly and ran into the same problem once more. I am not sure how I feel about the gun yet.. but I have had it since December and if I have to send it for a 2nd warranty fix in 3 months I won't be too thrilled. Just something for those interested to keep in mind I suppose.

 

[duckdozer]

I also just got back from my snow goose hunt. I had no cycling issues running 8 shots through it at a time.. in fact they cycled very quickly and smooth. I did run into one major issue twice that concerns me. On 2 separate occasions (big flocks of snows) the first shot went click.. not Bang like it should. I had to rack the new shell in and go from there (very frustrating with 100 snows in your face). The first time I thought it was something I did or just the shell didnt fire.. but I tried different shells and did everything correctly and ran into the same problem once more. I am not sure how I feel about the gun yet.. but I have had it since December and if I have to send it for a 2nd warranty fix in 3 months I won't be too thrilled. Just something for those interested to keep in mind I suppose.

I experienced this a few times through out the year and chalked it up to me not alowing the chamber to slam shut when messing around with it. you might make sure that when you do you slam it forward, the same problems with the original SBE.

 

[Scotty64]

OK, I thought I was the only one who had this happen. I talked to my Buddy who I hunt with and he has an SBE and he told me he has had the same problem IF HE DOES NOT ALLOW THE SLIDE TO SLAM SHUT. I have found that me trying to let it slide softly not to make noise or something has created the problem not the gun. I originally thought I had a misfire but realized it was me after the second time. I have never had this happen again. :smile:

 

[BH55]

So after reading all the post I think it is safe to say that this is a good gun...I am looking seriously for something that is not as punishing as my Nova. I dont want to spend the money for a highend gun that I only get to use once or twice a year and I don't know many people that have the 3500. I had a question for the hunting experts out there. Do all 3500's have the recoil reduction or is it optional?

 

[HOPIN4ABOAT]

So after reading all the post I think it is safe to say that this is a good gun...I am looking seriously for something that is not as punishing as my Nova. I dont want to spend the money for a highend gun that I only get to use once or twice a year and I don't know many people that have the 3500. I had a question for the hunting experts out there. Do all 3500's have the recoil reduction or is it optional?

They come with one but be sure to locktite it when you put it on, or use a locking washer the one that comes with it doesn't work that well. Its really nothing than a large chunk of metal to add weight but it works well.

 

[BH55]

Thanks

 

[punt80]

I'm thinking of buying a 3500. In hindsight, would you have preferred the 26" barrel over the 28". I can't decide which I want and would like your input. Thanks.

 

[duckdozer]

That is all personal preference really, I like the way a 26swings but I am used to a 28. So it is all just whatever you want.

 

[KC_Bandhunters]

I bought a stoeger m2000 a couple years back while they were still $300! Over the past few years the finish has been damaged as a result of being exposed to water. Last week I had my buddy strip it, sand it, and refinish the stock and grip. It looks alot better than when I bought it new. You can actually see the grains in the wood. If you have similiar issues with your guns, just know its possible and cheap to refinish it yourself.

 

[IKNOWDATSRIGHT]

I also bought a 3500, black 28" traded in a POS Escort Extreme and a $100 difference. I took it to a bachelor party in Lawrence to shoot trap, and it performed flawlessly! I don't shoot much trap but I will say the first round I ever shot with the gun I went 24/25! I have never done that well, hate trap. The gun fits me great and swings nicely... For the money, you can't go wrong!

 

[duckhunting24/7]

hey i duck hunt almost everyday ive taken this gun skeet shooting i clean it after i go, and i have still had problems with my stoeger m3500 max 4 28" barell it wont reliably eject 2 3/4 1 1/8oz shot size 7 loads and 3in 1 1/8 oz shot size 3 loads they state this gun can handle light loads but so far thats wrong i also use 3 1/2in 1 1/2oz shot size 2 loads with 3 1/2 faststeel loads work great in the gun but how ever at almost $30 a box it is very expensive to shoot do you think i have a bad factory model because thers always the chance of a failable fresh factory model if u have any ideas how i could fix it or if i should send it back because the western washington duck season starts in about 2 weeks i am 13 and it would be great to get a response back from you soo as possible.

 

[duckdozer]

hey i duck hunt almost everyday ive taken this gun skeet shooting i clean it after i go, and i have still had problems with my stoeger m3500 max 4 28" barell it wont reliably eject 2 3/4 1 1/8oz shot size 7 loads and 3in 1 1/8 oz shot size 3 loads they state this gun can handle light loads but so far thats wrong i also use 3 1/2in 1 1/2oz shot size 2 loads with 3 1/2 faststeel loads work great in the gun but how ever at almost $30 a box it is very expensive to shoot do you think i have a bad factory model because thers always the chance of a failable fresh factory model if u have any ideas how i could fix it or if i should send it back because the western washington duck season starts in about 2 weeks i am 13 and it would be great to get a response back from you soo as possible.

Is that seriously 1 sentence? I cant even read what you were implying. Sounds like a little break in period would be useful, but I cant really tell because I dont know where to start and stop reading. I have no issues with mine cycling 1oz loads, same with other ppl on here, you might make sure that your recoil reducer is tight. That is what happened to mine righ out of the gate. If you dont have it in put it in and make sure its tight. Put some loctite on it or something along those lines so it doesnt come loose.

 

[duckhunting24/7]

Sorry for the bad grammer, thanks for the information i will try that. But in the mannual it says, "may not cycle properly with 2 3/4in loads".

 

[Duckdaddy89]

Duckdozer - I just bought my m3500 a couple months back and I love it, haven't had any issues with it.

 

[mdugganasp]

duckdozer, what choke are you using?
Did you end up getting the Foiles choke or are you still using the skeet choke? If so, what's the effective range of that on ducks?

My wife just bought me one for Christmas (she won't let me shoot it until after Christmas) and I was wondering what to use. I've been used a modified-full in my 870 for ducks because I hate a cripple flying off.

Thanks for the post. It's been really helpful.