Thinking about getting a Stoeger 3000 semi-auto with a 24" barrel for turkeys. It also comes with a 3-choke set including the xtra-full.

The only problem is I don't think it has a camo stock option.

I am limited to about $500 budget so I can either get a Stoeger or look for a used Remington in decent shape.

Only want to buy a semi-auto once and hopefully be happy with my purchase.
Just looking for some general opinions... been wanting a semi-auto anyways.

I'm concerned about the black stock though if I'm not hunting from a blind. And don't really like the camo-tape idea.

Thanks for any info. Here is a link to the Stoeger.

Won't necessarily be buying from Gander... just looking their since they list alot of different options on their site.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modper...view&from=grid

Buy the 3500 model not the 3000 model

Comes in camo and 3.5" chamber..............mades for a great waterfowl gun also !

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/stoe...-p-121403.html

I like the 3500 as well. However, I really don't ever plan on shooting anything larger than the 3" turkey loads and I know I won't be hunting waterfowl.

From what I have read so far the only difference between the two are shell sizes. And the 3000 is a tad shorter overall length. Also may want to shoot some lighter 2-3/4" loads for other small game and pheasants, etc.

Either way they both seem to be nice guns for the price. So far I have only read good reviews for both of them.

I guess they had a model 2000 that was discontinued due to several problems, including a weak ejector and jamming. It says Stoeger corrected this problem with the 3000 & 3500 models buy beefing up the ejectors and recievers.

Thanks for the input. Still trying to decide. I just want to be sure I can shoot light loads reliably if I need too.

I've been shooting a Stoeger 2000 chambered in 3" for several years and love it - no problems. Has performed flawlessly.

That's good to hear. Since my last post I did read that other people who own the 2000 love them. I'm almost positive I'm going to go with a Stoeger now. Can't hardley beat the price. Also the new model M3000 is up to $100 cheaper than the M3500 (at least at most places I've looked) No sense for me to pay the xtra 100 bucks for one that shoots a up to 3-1/2 when the largest I'll ever shoot is a 3" for turkey.

Do you shoot any 2-3/4" 1oz shot out of yours? The 3000 & 3500 says minimum recommended load is 3 drams with 1.25oz shot.

I will probably hunt some rabbits and pheasant with mine and a most of the #4,5,6 shot I use are 1oz. Should work though.

The black will be just fine for turkeys. I would suggest to get a 26" or 28" barrel that way you could use it for more than just turkeys.

right on. The black verson is even less expensive still. I have a couple different blinds I can use anyways. A dogouse and a "teepee" style. I may also get one of those 3-spur turkey blinds that's easy to carry around.

I went out last year with the Mossburg 500 but never got any birds into range. They switched up on their roosting area and stared roosting on a different unaccessible property. Before and after season we would see them all the time. Then when season opened they moved. Frustrating....lol. Hopefully they are back hanging on his property this spring so I can get the drop on 'em at flydown. Going to try and locate some birds this week.

My hunting partner just bought the stoeger 3500 model and loves it. He has killed a hog with it already. We patterned it on my property and with 3 1/2 inch shells it is spot on. I handled it because I was skeptical but to my surprise it handles well and points easy. Very light gun! Oh and his was camo.

I only shot 2 3/4 inch shells during the break-in period. Stoeger recommended a pretty specific break in procedure. Not sure if you'll have the same for the 3000, but if you do, you'll want a recoil pad for that!

I only use the gun for turkeys now, 3" Magnum Blend 2 ounce Hevi-shot