In The Field With Stoeger’s P3500 Shotgun

posted on February 7, 2017
stoeger_lede_21.jpg

American Rifleman’s Christopher Olsen teamed up with Stoeger Industries to chase some late season birds on the historic Delmarva Peninsula.

Stoeger Industries has released a line extension that chambers a 3.5” shotshell in its P3500 pump-action shotgun. Available in black or camouflage, the shotgun looks good and does the job, as Christopher found out on a recent field test with Stoeger on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. And given the gun's price point of less than $400, it should get a lot of attention. American Rifleman will provide a complete evaluation of the shotgun later this year, but for now, follow along as Christopher experienced two of the things Maryland is known for—shotguns and waterfowl.



Directly across from Baltimore, Md., stands Great Oak Manor, an early 20th century brick-built manor that offers 5-star accommodations with western views of the Chesapeake Bay that are hard to beat.



Relaxing after a three hour drive couldn’t be more rewarding.

 



The library was filled with great reads, and I tore into The Works of Tennyson before the rest of the party arrived.



We were able to tune up our game with a bit of sporting clays and found the P3500 to be a capable wing-shooter as we tracked targets along the course.



Meet the Stoeger P3500.



Taking a closer look.



The Delmarva Peninsula is known for a few things, but these are something that many have never seen before—V-Board decoys. They are light, look great, deploy quickly and the birds can’t resist them.



There is no doubt this area has game to pursue along with some picturesque skies.



In the blind with new friends making great memories.



Who said hunting isn’t work? 



Just a little closer to our daily bag limit.



I am not sure who is happier, me or this six-month-old pup.



Black or camouflage—you be the judge.



Stoegers, stogies and a disappearing box of Rio Royal BlueSteel.



Awe shucks … you can’t be on the Eastern Shore and not dive into some fresh oysters.



The Stoeger P3500 was a blast to test. The gun functioned flawlessly and the 3.5” shells didn’t seem to bother the shoulder either.



The YETIs got heavier and our shell bags lighter as the week progressed.



For many of us, owning guns is a way of life. This spectacular goose means a lot. It continues a legacy. It feeds a family. And most importantly, it defends freedom.

Latest

Gotw Eaa Witness2311 Brat Web
Gotw Eaa Witness2311 Brat Web

Gun Of The Week: EAA Witness2311 Brat

Built on M1911 principles and imported by European American Armory Corp., the EAA Girsan Witnesss2311 Brat is a unique take on the double-stack, 2011-style pistol.

The Armed Citizen® March 28, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

John C. Garand: His Compensation & Other Accomplishments

Much gratitude has been, and is given, to the man who created the M1 Garand. But folklore suggests John C. Garand did all the work for free. Let us dispel that notion.

John Rigby & Co. Celebrates 250th Anniversary

John Rigby—born in 1758—founded his famed gunmaking firm, John Rigby & Co., in 1775, and year 2025 marks the company's semiquincentennial celebration.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1903A3 Springfield

While the U.S. Army's Model 1903 Springfield rifle is one of the most well-recognized small arms of the 20th century, a lesser-known variant, the Model 1903A3, served as an important stopgap rifle in the early years of World War II.

New For 2025: Stoeger M3000 & M3020 Turkey Edition Shotguns

New for 2025, Stoeger Industries is offering a dedicated turkey hunting version of its 12-ga. M3000 and 20-ga. M3020.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.