Saw where several of you are hunting with stoegers, I just had to send mine back to the factory. I missed 2 birds. One at 25 and another at 28, the one at 28 missed 3 times. Had a mild fog on the ground and figured the bird just didn't know what to do or where was coming from. Made a rookie mistake and didn't pattern the gun. After second miss we patterned the gun and was shooting way low. I was aiming and the head and was hitting at the bottom of the target. Was wondering if anyone has had any problems or know of anyone who has had an issue with one. By the way I'm using the factory xfc, and information or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Why would you send it back? Because it does not shoot POA? ALOT of shotguns don't shoot to POA. Put an adjustable sight of some sort on it and your problem is over. My friend owns a Stoeger 3500 and has nothing but praise for it. He has a Bushnell red dot on his.
I contacted stoeger and they said should be 6"high not low, the guy Bill i spoke with from stoeger felt like the barrel was bent or bad bore where the choke screws in. He said several of them have had this problem. Only reason sent back was on factory's request. It broke my heart when I missed 2 birds one at 25 and 28 yards. The 28 yards missed 3 times and he just keep jumping up in the air after every shot. I just got up and left i was so sick. Sad part the turkey just watched me walk off, craziest thing ever. Only reason I think he didn't run off was a mild fog had rolled in and he couldn't tell where shots was coming from. I sure hope it's a choke or barrel problem. Took my first turkey gun the last day of the season and bailed my season out. My buddy had me get the gun, he has the older m2000 and has killed every bird he has pulled the trigger on. I will give an update asap, thanks for the reply. Just hope was just bad luck and get a bird slayer back.
Sorry to hear your about your misses...in my opinion most shotguns don't shoot to POA, at least not accurate enough for the loads and turkey chokes I use. All my turkey guns have either Tru Glo Magnum GobbleStopper Adjustable sights on them or scopes or
Red Dots.
The bead on the Stoeger 3500 is too big in my opinion anyway and covers too much of a turkeys head and neck.
You unfortunately committed the cardinal sin of turkey hunting...not patterning gun before hunting.
I am guilty of doing this once before too as I was in too much of a rush and had just bought a Mossberg Youth 20 for my 10 year old grandson. He missed three toms in one weekend with it and
I am surprised he still likes to turkey hunt.
I felt horrible when I patterned it and it was shooting one foot high at 30 yards. It has a Red Dot on it now!
Honcho
I used a basspro blackout on my 3500 and it worked on the first bird I shot at this year... 35yrds.. I saw a fair amount of bad reviews on the factory one so I never even tried it...
Quote from: WildTigerTrout on May 03, 2016, 10:57:27 PM
Why would you send it back? Because it does not shoot POA? ALOT of shotguns don't shoot to POA. Put an adjustable sight of some sort on it and your problem is over. My friend owns a Stoeger 3500 and has nothing but praise for it. He has a Bushnell red dot on his.
He probably sent it back because it's shooting terribly of poa! Pretty sure he made that clear. Not everyone wants to spend money on a optic. I personally hate optics on shotguns. I got rid of a benelli for the same reason. Not shooting to poa is one thing. Shooting far enough off to totally miss a bird at a reasonable range is unacceptable to me.
Quote from: Farmboy27 on May 05, 2016, 06:03:19 PM
Quote from: WildTigerTrout on May 03, 2016, 10:57:27 PM
Why would you send it back? Because it does not shoot POA? ALOT of shotguns don't shoot to POA. Put an adjustable sight of some sort on it and your problem is over. My friend owns a Stoeger 3500 and has nothing but praise for it. He has a Bushnell red dot on his.
He probably sent it back because it's shooting terribly of poa! Pretty sure he made that clear. Not everyone wants to spend money on a optic. I personally hate optics on shotguns. I got rid of a benelli for the same reason. Not shooting to poa is one thing. Shooting far enough off to totally miss a bird at a reasonable range is unacceptable to me.
As has already been stated MOST shotguns DO NOT shoot to POA. You don't have to install an optic. You can install an adjustable open sight. Turkey loads of today shoot such tight patterns I can't see NOT having some sort of sight on a turkey specfic shotgun.
I had one was not impressed with the gun mine shot way to the left so I sold it to a friend that likes scopes on his turkey guns
Quote from: WildTigerTrout on May 05, 2016, 09:26:08 PM
Quote from: Farmboy27 on May 05, 2016, 06:03:19 PM
Quote from: WildTigerTrout on May 03, 2016, 10:57:27 PM
Why would you send it back? Because it does not shoot POA? ALOT of shotguns don't shoot to POA. Put an adjustable sight of some sort on it and your problem is over. My friend owns a Stoeger 3500 and has nothing but praise for it. He has a Bushnell red dot on his.
He probably sent it back because it's shooting terribly of poa! Pretty sure he made that clear. Not everyone wants to spend money on a optic. I personally hate optics on shotguns. I got rid of a benelli for the same reason. Not shooting to poa is one thing. Shooting far enough off to totally miss a bird at a reasonable range is unacceptable to me.
As has already been stated MOST shotguns DO NOT shoot to POA. You don't have to install an optic. You can install an adjustable open sight. Turkey loads of today shoot such tight patterns I can't see NOT having some sort of sight on a turkey specfic shotgun.
Not everyone buys a gun as a "dedicated turkey gun". Sights and optics are fine in the turkey woods for those that like them. Not the greatest in a waterfowl blind, or in a stubble field kicking up ring necks, or for a weekend round of sporting clays. I will never accept anything more 3-4 inches off poa. Why be content with a new gun that needs an additional aiming device to be useable?
Sorry guys have not had a chance to reply. I really don't want optics on the gun, I truly hope stoeger gets it figured out. Nothing more disappointing than a new gun that's no where close. Have no plans for it to be just a turkey gun. I want a multipurpose shotgun. I especially expect for it to be close for $800.00!!!!!!!! I have a 189.00 mossberg maverick 88 that's nasty on the birds. I have only killed 3 in the 2 years that I have been hunting. It has taken one at 70, 62, and 40 yards. I fitted it with a true glow choke and high viz sights combo and has been deadly. Let my buddy talk me into the stoeger and just been a disappointment. He has the m2000 and has been outstanding for him with the factory xfc. He has killed every bird that he has shot at and a lot of extremely long shots. Well the factory has received it so we will see what's wrong with it. I'll keep you all posted what happens. Still may sell it when I have a gun that's dead on and only 200.00 in it. Was not for it would have taken a big 0 this season. Killed my biggest bird with it the last day of our season. He weighed 26 1 / 2lbs, 11 1 / 4 " beard, and 1 1 / 8 " spurs - the shot on him was 60 yards out and my mossberg maverick 88 was dead on the money. I got the stoeger cause I wanted a semi automatic with the benelli quality at half the cost to use for whatever I wanted. So time will tell when receive it back. You know there's an issue when the factory request it back and was told there were several guns out on the market with the same exact issue - shooting extremely low. Some bent barrel and bad bore in the barrels for the choke tubes.
Quote from: Farmboy27 on May 05, 2016, 06:03:19 PM
Quote from: WildTigerTrout on May 03, 2016, 10:57:27 PM
Why would you send it back? Because it does not shoot POA? ALOT of shotguns don't shoot to POA. Put an adjustable sight of some sort on it and your problem is over. My friend owns a Stoeger 3500 and has nothing but praise for it. He has a Bushnell red dot on his.
He probably sent it back because it's shooting terribly of poa! Pretty sure he made that clear. Not everyone wants to spend money on a optic. I personally hate optics on shotguns. I got rid of a benelli for the same reason. Not shooting to poa is one thing. Shooting far enough off to totally miss a bird at a reasonable range is unacceptable to me.
totally agree, a new gun that is off poa more than 2-3 inches is unacceptable for the money they cost
I've had mine for three seasons now I love it. I've had no issues with it. I've shot a lot turkey chokes through it and I've had great luck with the Carlson LongBeard XR chokes
Even shooting that low the birds had to have been body hit at less that 30 yards.
I think I hit them low as well. The bird I missed 3 times just keep jumping straight up in the air. I should have shot a foot high at him but in your mind hard thing to do. So far I have not heard anything from stoeger yet. I will post as soon as I hear something. I could have handled a bad poa on a cheap gun not one I have 800.00 in then just to make matters worse have a 200.00 mossberg maverick that's just nasty on poa! Several of my buddies have offered 500.00 for the gun cause it's that accurate and deadly. The pattern is so good I want second guess a 70 yard shot. I really hope when I get it back it will be the gun was hoping for.
Stoeger CS has a good reputation. I bet they take care of you.
who buys a gun and doesn't at least shoot a light load? let alone turkey loads with the choke you plan to hunt????
I agree w/ TauntoHawk 100%. I never have never hunted w/ any shotgun that I didn't pattern first, be it for upland birds, waterfowl, doves and especially turkeys. To me it is unthinkable to hunt w/ any firearm without shooting the gun extensively to become totally comfortable and familiar w/ it's function, feel and performance. You should have realized and noted the shotguns flaws and failures long before taking it afield hunting. Your additional comment that you wouldn't hesitate to shoot at a turkey at 70 yards confirms to me that you don't know, "What the Hell your Doing" and have no business hunting turkeys.
Quote from: decoykrvr on May 17, 2016, 01:32:39 PM
I agree w/ TauntoHawk 100%. I never have never hunted w/ any shotgun that I didn't pattern first, be it for upland birds, waterfowl, doves and especially turkeys. To me it is unthinkable to hunt w/ any firearm without shooting the gun extensively to become totally comfortable and familiar w/ it's function, feel and performance. You should have realized and noted the shotguns flaws and failures long before taking it afield hunting. Your additional comment that you wouldn't hesitate to shoot at a turkey at 70 yards confirms to me that you don't know, "What the Hell your Doing" and have no business hunting turkeys.
You do have a point.
Quote from: decoykrvr on May 17, 2016, 01:32:39 PM
I agree w/ TauntoHawk 100%. I never have never hunted w/ any shotgun that I didn't pattern first, be it for upland birds, waterfowl, doves and especially turkeys. To me it is unthinkable to hunt w/ any firearm without shooting the gun extensively to become totally comfortable and familiar w/ it's function, feel and performance. You should have realized and noted the shotguns flaws and failures long before taking it afield hunting. Your additional comment that you wouldn't hesitate to shoot at a turkey at 70 yards confirms to me that you don't know, "What the Hell your Doing" and have no business hunting turkeys.
While I agree that a turkey gun should be patterned before hunting with it, I know tons of people that don't. In fact, I know more people that have never shot a turkey load into paper than those that have. Most of the old school fellows I know consider it a waste of money. But then they call their birds in close and kill them. I have never patterned an upland or dove load. I buy what's on sale and use it. As far as the 70 yard comment, yeah that's a bit of a stretch. But not everyone is as experienced as some on this site. If you look at a longbeard xr add, mark and terry drury will tell you they dropped one at 66 yards. Most of us know that is either a load of crap or a luck shot, but if you're newer to the game then maybe not! Hevi-shot shows pics of the #5s in mag blends reaching out to 70 yards. A lie yes. But a lie that is believed by many who don't have the experience or the direct interaction with those who know better. To say that he doesn't know what he's doing and has know business hunting turkeys is a bit harsh. Let me ask you this, did you know what you where doing at first?
Quote from: Farmboy27 on May 17, 2016, 05:37:16 PM
Quote from: decoykrvr on May 17, 2016, 01:32:39 PM
I agree w/ TauntoHawk 100%. I never have never hunted w/ any shotgun that I didn't pattern first, be it for upland birds, waterfowl, doves and especially turkeys. To me it is unthinkable to hunt w/ any firearm without shooting the gun extensively to become totally comfortable and familiar w/ it's function, feel and performance. You should have realized and noted the shotguns flaws and failures long before taking it afield hunting. Your additional comment that you wouldn't hesitate to shoot at a turkey at 70 yards confirms to me that you don't know, "What the Hell your Doing" and have no business hunting turkeys.
While I agree that a turkey gun should be patterned before hunting with it, I know tons of people that don't. In fact, I know more people that have never shot a turkey load into paper than those that have. Most of the old school fellows I know consider it a waste of money. But then they call their birds in close and kill them. I have never patterned an upland or dove load. I buy what's on sale and use it. As far as the 70 yard comment, yeah that's a bit of a stretch. But not everyone is as experienced as some on this site. If you look at a longbeard xr add, mark and terry drury will tell you they dropped one at 66 yards. Most of us know that is either a load of crap or a luck shot, but if you're newer to the game then maybe not! Hevi-shot shows pics of the #5s in mag blends reaching out to 70 yards. A lie yes. But a lie that is believed by many who don't have the experience or the direct interaction with those who know better. To say that he doesn't know what he's doing and has know business hunting turkeys is a bit harsh. Let me ask you this, did you know what you where doing at first?
For you to say that I have no business turkey hunting is you being a DICKHEAD!!!!! I already said that I have never hunted before and having to teach myself how to! As far as my long shots I have a gun that will do it and have 3 to show it! I joined this so I COULD LEARN TRICKS AND BETTER CALLING TECHNIQUES to make me a better hunter! I am one who will admit when wrong and say I'm as green as you can get! To learn it you have to do it! I joined this to learn not to hear an arrogant asshole! Really one DICKHEAD move by you two!!!!!!!!! Thought this site was on helping people to become better huntets as well fellowship! ALSO did I say you're a DICKHEAD well let me say it again just in case you missed it DICKHEAD!!!!!!!!!!
Just curious why you would post a thread asking for advice and then some folks provide you an honest opinion from what they have read and you get offended?! Have you received an update from Stoeger yet? Hope you get some good news...I just ordered an M3000 with the steady grip last week.
I was looking for insight if anyone else havery had any issues with a stoeger m3500 and was just using the distance and accuracy of my cheap gun as a comparison. Was not looking for an a******. I made it clear that I made a rookie mistake not pattern a new gun, I assumed that a 200.00 gun was dead on that an 800.00 gun would be just as good if not better. I have stated I joined this forum in hopes of meeting new people with lots of experience so I could learn. Only my 2nd year turkey hunting. There's so much I wouldlove to learn and was hoping to hear. The comments on optics to correct the position is helpful, comments on not pattern fine, but to say DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL I'M DOING AND HAVE NO BUSINESS TURKEY HUNTING is being a DICKHEAD! I was looking for help and advice not an ASSHOLE! Comments like that just uncalled for and point blank just pissed me off! Not all of us on here grew up hunting and experienced hunters. I would love to be able to call them in 10 yards and get that awesome experience that I have watched several you tube videos of. But when you don't have that experience and giving 100% trying you take what you get. The 2 birds I missed at 25 and 28 was luck I got that close. I didn't call them in I knew where they rooste and snuck in before daylight. I truly love turkey hunting and people don't understand it if they never tried it. Truly the HARDEST critter I have hunted. Deer has been a breeze and have killed 2 bucks that a lot of people hunt there whole life and never get, that's why I love turkey hunting like I do is the challenge. But back to your comment about getting pissed, like I said looking for helpful people that truly love and have that passion for turkey hunting not an asshole. Helpful comments are welcome not interested in a DICKHEAD ONES! I'm sure if you had a issue going on you would want someone to give you advice to help not say your a DUMBASS and have no business doing it. I was not looking for an asshole debate, was hoping for some folks who really wanted to help people and just be good fellow hunters. Never would I ever reply to anyone like that who's asking for help or advice. I have gotten pissed again thinking about it and just remembered the other question. Contacted stoeger today and they forgot to attach the work order to it so has been there 10 days just sitting there. They didn't know what to do to it or the problem. The guy that I was dealing with dropped the ball. They apologized of course and corrected it. So maybe in a few weeks I may know something. I sent it to them with my exact setup and the ammo brand and size so if they decide to shoot it would be exactly the same for them as did with me. I apologize to you and the others for my rant who was trying to be helpful and respectful. As far as the long shot saying that I would not hesitate on a 70 yard error was basically saying that's how much CONFIDENCE I have in my other gun. Do I want to do that long of a shot NO, but with that gun I can. The pattern of that is just unbelievable, like I have said several people have tried to buy it of its pattern. After hours of research and reading several of comments on this forum I learned every gun is different. As stated rookie mistake, figured a shotgun was a shotgun when shot. Pretty much a handful of pellets coming out and how could you miss??? I learned that the hard way! My mossberg and the winchester longbeard xr's with the true global turkey choke is a perfect match. I have killed only 3 birds and no shot under 40 yards. But again just was looking for good advice from people who truly wanted to help, not an arogant DICKHEAD who just wanting to be an asshole. Just uncalled for, if you can't be respectful don't say anything. What I have read the newer chokes and ammo are designed to reach out there, not like the older guns. I know a guide here that has a guy custom load shells for him and they are 25.00 a piece and he has videos of 80 yard shots.
You should check out the forum rules. Profane and vulgar language aren't allowed, and the sight owner does not condone shooting turkeys at 40+ yards. Sure accidents happen but you said yourself you haven't killed one under 40. You need to work on your setups and calling.
You went in the woods with a weapon that you in no way familiarized yourself with. Also I can't believe you spent almost a grand on a gun that doesn't start with a B, and I owned a stoeger for a long time that I really liked so I'm not just poking at you.
You and that guide sound like a match made in heaven shooting at turkeys twice the distance most people consider ethical. Heck, why don't you just take a 22-250 and really "reach out there like the new guns and chokes you've been reading about." To each his own but I cannot fathom what anyone gets out of shooting turkeys at rifle ranges. That's not turkey hunting. That's turkey killing and that's why that "guide" touts his holy grail shells. Turkey killing is all he's interested in, the more people killing turkeys with him the more money in his pocket.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Anyone can kill a turkey, if that is all you are interested in. Most forum members like to help new or inexperienced turkey hunters learn how to hunt turkeys. There is an obvious difference and this is a classic example. Hunting safely, responsibly with respect for the quarry and the sport is part of turkey hunting.
What will it take for the distance to be dropped? Your kicking a dead horse. I have said it several times I made a rookie mistake and can't change it. On the distance was just making a point about how there's a big difference between the equipment of the past and now. Everyone has opions but you can be respectful with them. Even said my reason for joining was to become a better hunter and not make such long shots. My goal was to become better at it, I would love for those 10 yard shots people brag about. I make a mistake not pattern it that's UNDO ABLE. Can't change it wished I could, also didn't read the rules like most people and again sorry my fault. This is just my opinion, I was just as happy as can be and very grateful for the birds I have taken. I don't like the long shots and have let several go by cause of it. My first bird long shots and my last was cause last day of season and a bad one due to my own fault not pattern the gun. Like I said over and over which seems that the point not coming across, Want to learn how to be A LOT better with it, that's my goal.
Wifila,
My reputation on this site and forum is above reproach, and "I don't suffer fools." You have very successfully illustrated the phrase "Hoisted with One's Own Petard". Your additional comment that the justification for an excessively long shot, "my last was cause last day of season", further enhances and justifies my prior observations about you.
Whatever you think and feel not worth the argument, have better things to do. What you think is what you think. I will improve my skill and technique regardless if you or anyone else would rather be helpful instead of just being an a**
This is probably a good spot to just end this thread :TrainWreck1:
Start a new one and just ask the question you want answered now that you know the forum's views/rules. Good luck with the stoeger!