Description
The Stoeger Model 3500 Realtree APG 12 Ga, 26 is a gas-operated, inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun designed for reliability in the field. It features a 26-inch barrel, a Realtree APG camouflage finish for concealment, and is built to handle a wide range of 12-gauge loads, from light target to heavy 3.5″ magnums, making it a versatile choice for waterfowl, turkey, and upland hunting.
Key Features
- Inertia-Driven System: Based on the proven Benelli action, it cycles reliably with less fouling and minimal maintenance.
- Realtree All-Purpose Green (APG) Camo: Full coverage finish breaks up your silhouette in a variety of wooded and grassy environments.
- 3.5″ Chamber: Handles everything from 2.75″ target loads to powerful 3.5″ magnum shells for maximum versatility.
- Shim-Adjustable Stock: Allows for drop and cast adjustment to fit the shooter, a feature often found on more expensive guns.
- Steel Receiver & Chrome-Lined Barrel: Provides durability and corrosion resistance for harsh hunting conditions.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | 47.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.3 lbs |
| Finish | Realtree All-Purpose Green Camo |
The system’s simplicity is its strength—fewer moving parts than many gas guns means it runs cleaner and is less sensitive to different ammunition types. With an overall length of 47.5 inches, it balances well for swinging on fast-moving birds or shouldering quickly in a blind. The chrome-lined bore resists corrosion and makes cleaning after a long, wet day a simpler task. At a weight of approximately 7.3 pounds, it’s light enough to carry all day without being so light that magnum recoil becomes punishing. Here’s the thing—when it comes to a hard-use hunting tool, you want proven mechanics over unnecessary complexity, and the Model 3500 delivers exactly that.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the workhorse shotgun for the Missouri hunter who needs one gun to do it all. It’s for the waterfowler standing in a cold marsh at dawn, the turkey hunter waiting motionless against a tree, and the upland hunter covering miles of field edges. If you demand a shotgun that will cycle reliably when it’s dirty, wet, or cold, and you need the flexibility to shoot light loads for clays or heavy magnums for geese, this platform is built for your reality. It’s also an excellent value proposition for a new hunter building their first serious kit.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Extremely reliable inertia-driven system. Handles 2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″ shells without adjustment. The adjustable stock allows for a custom fit—no gunsmithing required. The full camo finish is durable and functional. Offers exceptional value for a feature set often found on guns costing hundreds more.
Cons: The inertia system can have a sharper felt recoil impulse compared to some soft-shooting gas-operated models. The 26-inch barrel, while versatile, may feel long for some in tight turkey blinds. The camo finish, while great in the field, isn’t everyone’s choice for a multi-role shotgun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will it cycle light target loads reliably?
A: Yes. The inertia system is designed to cycle a wide range of loads, from light 1-ounce target loads up to 3.5″ magnums. For the most consistent performance with the very lightest loads, ensuring the gun is properly broken in with a box of heavier shells first is recommended.
Q: Is the choke tube system compatible with other brands?
A: The Stoeger 3500 uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes. This is a very common pattern, and tubes from brands like Carlson’s, Trulock, and Jebs are widely available, giving you extensive options for patterning different loads.
Q: What is the magazine capacity?
A: The plug-equipped magazine capacity is 2+1 rounds for migratory bird hunting, as required by federal law. The plug is easily removable, increasing total capacity for other uses where legal. Always check and comply with local game regulations for capacity limits.
Priced at $244.11, the Stoeger Model 3500 Realtree APG represents a significant value, putting a rugged, versatile, and reliable semi-auto into the hands of hunters who prioritize performance over prestige. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your next season. This is a tool built for the long haul, designed to perform when the conditions are anything but ideal. See the full details and availability at firearms-missouri.com.
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