Stoeger M3K

[KS63]

Thinking about picking one of these up for pheasants, clays and plinking on the range. I have very little shotgun experience and don’t want to drop a ton of cash on something to start with and though this model could satisfy multiple roles. Anyone have experience with one of these or can recommend an auto loading shotgun that’s sub $600? Thanks.

[Marine24]

Remington V3 line might be worth a look and can be found sub-$600. That said, I've heard good things about the M3K. One consistent negative is that it can be finicky with some lighter shotgun loads.

[encorehunter]

Maybe I'm getting old, but I like a good Remington 1100. I competed with an hunted with one for several years. New, they can be pricey, but used I have found them from $175 to $400.

[esaabye]

I have an M3K used for 3gun, it has been a very good shotgun. Lots of aftermarket support for it including MOA precision. I added the reduced power recoup spring to address bolt bounce, added a extended tube and opened up the port. After maybe 3-5k shells over 3 years it is still going strong.

While the competition side does not seem to be your aim it is a well regarded platform and that speaks to reliability.

[SideShow Bob]

Damn, I’m getting old, I can remember eating the actual cereal when it was first introduced. “Kaboom” from your avatar picture........

[MarkCO]

My 16 year old was 4th in State Trap with a P3K (Patrick Kelley Signature Edition), has shot close to a ton of pheasants and shoots 3Gun with it. Just put an M3K together for the 14 year old. It is a very good platform that will fill several roles very well. The "finicky" thing was from the really rough tubes on them the first few years. Carbon Arms tube fixed that, and due to that, and other complaints, they have since improved the stock tube. The recoil system rides on the tube, so it does need to be lubed well with a lube that stays put. It also has a good amount of adjustability in the stock. That said, if you are not going to add a tube (capacity) to it, there are a lot of good choices, 1100s included (older ones) but I would not suggest a new Remington. Just too many issues with the newer Remingtons. Brownings, Berettas and 1100s seem to rule the "Clay Sports/Hunting" dual purpose "budget friendly" shotguns. Gas guns will be softer than the inertia guns like the M3K, M3000. There are several versions of the M3000, M3k, M3K sporting, Freedom, so make sure, if you go that way, you know what each one is and pick the one suited to your needs.

[KS63]

Knowing your company makes parts for the M3K is a good sign for me, Mark. I handled the Stoeger again the other day and it fits me the best.