Do-It-All Semi-Auto Hunting Shotgun Setup Under $1,000 | Stoeger M3500 Reviewed & Field Tested
The Stoeger M3500 has built a reputation as a budget-friendly semi-auto shotgun that punches far above its price tag. For hunters who need one gun that can handle everything from gobblers to mallards to Midwest whitetails, the M3500 delivers. In this review, we walk through the real-world performance of the M3500, how we built our HUNTXP edition under $1,000, and why this might be the best “do-it-all” setup in the field today.
Quick Specs
Action: Semi-Automatic (Inertia Driven)
Chamber: 2 ¾”, 3”, and 3 ½”
Barrel Length: 26” (tested)
Finish: Matte Black Synthetic
Weight: ~7.8 lbs
Price: ~$800 base model (Setup tested: $999)
Why the M3500?
When I set out to finally buy my own shotgun (after borrowing a buddy’s for years), I needed one gun that could serve multiple roles: turkey in the spring, waterfowl in the fall, and slug-capable for whitetail season in shotgun zones. The Stoeger M3500 checked all those boxes — and didn’t blow my budget.
This isn’t a benchrest shotgun. This is a workhorse. The kind of gun you don’t baby, don’t mind scratching, and still rely on every time the birds start flying.
Why I Love It
What sold me on the Stoeger M3500 wasn’t just the specs — it was how this shotgun fits the way I actually hunt. I needed one gun that could punch a gobbler at 30 yards, knock ducks out of the sky, and still be ready for a close-quarters whitetail slug shot in the swamp. The M3500 handles all of that without overcomplicating things. It cycles reliably, doesn’t get gummed up, and it’s dead simple to clean. That’s huge for me — I’m not the guy who strips his shotgun down after every trip, but I still expect it to go bang every time.
I also love that I didn’t have to empty my wallet to make it field-ready. Starting with the black base model gave me room to build it out the way I wanted — a Carlson choke, a red dot on a Trinity rail, a GunSkins wrap for concealment. Total spend? Just under a grand. It feels good knowing I’ve got a reliable semi-auto setup that I’m not afraid to drag through the brush or boat in the bottom of a duck blind. It’s not flashy, but it flat-out gets it done — and that’s what I care about.
Real-World Field Test
We tested this exact build during turkey season — and it delivered. The gun handled 3.5” turkey loads without a hiccup. Recoil was what you’d expect, but the Inertia Driven action kept it smooth and reliable.
After the first morning in the field, bird in hand, here’s what stood out:
Simplicity: Easy breakdown, cleaning, and setup right out of the box.
Versatility: Swap chokes, swap barrels, or add optics — the base model is built to evolve.
Reliability: Ran hot, cold, dry, and wet. Never jammed, even on heavier turkey loads.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
Incredible value: Fully built setup under $1,000
Chambered for 3.5” shells: Perfect for turkey and waterfowl
Inertia Driven system: Simple, reliable, and easy to clean
Comes with multiple chokes
Modular: Add red dots, custom rails, slug barrels, and more
❌ Cons:
Trigger feel: A bit spongey compared to higher-end semi-autos
Ergonomics: Basic grips and stock design; not as refined as Benelli or Franchi
Break-in required: Needs heavier rounds early on for consistent cycling
What’s in the Box?
Stoeger M3500 Shotgun (Matte Black, 26” barrel)
Three chokes: Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Choke wrench
Shim kit for stock adjustment
Hard plastic case
Instruction manual and sticker pack
Our sub $999 HUNTXP Build
Here’s what we added to make the M3500 a fully dialed-in hunting setup for all seasons:
Total Build Price: sub $999 (with some smart shopping and off-season deals)
| Gear | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Carlson's Long Beard XR Choke | Delivers tight patterns for spring turkey hunting |
| Vortex Crossfire Red Dot | Reliable optics for turkey and whitetail slug season |
| Trinity Supply Scope Rail | Mounts a red dot on the M3500 – Stoeger-specific fit |
| Stoeger Paracord Sling | Lightweight and durable for run-and-gun mobility |
| GunSkins Camo Wrap | Affordable camo customization on a black base model |
| Allen Turkey Gun Case | Holds calls, shells, and extras for turkey season |
Final Verdict: A True Workhorse
If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile, budget-friendly shotgun that doesn’t sacrifice core performance, the Stoeger M3500 deserves a hard look. You’ll give up some of the refined feel of a $1,800 Benelli, but you’ll gain modularity, dependability, and financial breathing room to customize it for your hunt.
I’m running this gun for turkey, waterfowl, and slug season. And I’m confident it’ll deliver every time.
Where to Buy
The Shotgun (M3500 Black #36009 spesifically)
Strap (paricord), This one is awesome though
