ACCOKEEK, MD-- The Stoeger Model 3500 3½-inch Magnum competed in a rigorous comparison test and evaluation conducted by the editors of American Rifleman and is named the "2012 Golden Bullseye Shotgun of the Year." The award will be presented to Stoeger at the 2012 NRA Annual Meeting on May 15-18, in St. Louis, Missouri.

At the heart of the Stoeger M3500 is the proven Inertia Driven® operating system; simple and efficient with only three moving parts in the bolt for lightning-fast, reliable operation. Unlike older gas-system guns, the M3500's Inertia Driven® action is contained primarily within the receiver; giving the Stoeger M3500 a better, more centered balance and swing. With no propellant gas venting into the action, the M3500 stays cleaner longer and is inherently more reliable.

The M3500 handles a full range of loads, from 2¾-inch field loads up to the potent 3½-inch Magnum, without adjustment. For reliability and performance, no other 3½-inch semi-auto in its price range compares. With the proven rugged design of its operating system, the Stoeger's Model 3500 will handle just about any hunting challenge, providing a great value for hunters.

All M3500s come with four choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved-Cylinder and Extra-full turkey), and a shim kit for drop and cast adjustment. The receiver is drilled and tapped and a Weaver-style scope base comes standard. A threaded steel recoil reducer is included and can be installed in the buttstock to reduce recoil when using Magnum loads. The M3500 is available in three different finishes - Matte black synthetic, Realtree® APG™ or Realtree® Max-4™.

"Earning this prestigious award from the NRA Publications group fittingly recognizes Stoeger's commitment to quality, reliability and value, and we are honored," said Stephen McKelvain, Benelli USA's VP of Marketing & Communications. "The M3500 is just another example of that commitment to ever-increase the quality of Stoeger products and still maintain a value price that makes them the perfect choice for hunters everywhere."

SPECIFICATIONS: Gauge: 12 Gauge Barrel Length: 24", 26" & 28" Sights: Red Bar Front Sight Metal Finish: Black synthetic, Realtree® Max-4, Realtree® APG™ Stock Material: Synthetic Average Weight: 7.5 lbs. Overall Length: 46", 48" & 50" Length of Pull: 143/8" Drop at heel: 2.5" Drop at Comb: 1.5" MSRP: $629 - $719

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