Run what you brung - Stoeger M3000 transitioning duty

[kjr_29]

Happy Independence Day!

Two years ago, I picked up a Stoeger M3000 for duck hunting with the thought of doing some 3 gun one day. 3 gun never happened, just lost interest. Picked up an Over/Under which became my duck gun last season so the Stoeger sat unused until the “mostly peaceful” protestors in my area started threatening the burbs.

Pressed into action to supplement the normal HD tools, it was suboptimal at 28”, so in evaluating options, including a used model, new barrel, etc - I came to the conclusion that every part I need to covert the M3k to a tactical HD use exists from Taran Tactical, Nordic or MOA Precision, is cheaper than buying into a used Italian model which may need upgrades and I’ll have $$$ leftover for good federal buckshot and training classes and be ahead over spending precious cash on another option. I have shot Mossberg 590s before, plus a Super Nova - pumps are not my jam.

So, to that end, here is my plan.

- Cut 28” barrel to 19” (done)
- Nordic MXT +2 or +3 (it hold 4+1 stock)
- Nordic follower
- Nordic clamp with pic rail for light
- MOA oversized safety
- MOA Magpul adapter
- MOA match saver (maybe)
- Magpul stock
- Stoeger pic rail
- BFG sling
- Vang Comp spare ammo card with velcro
- open loading port a bit

My M3k has about 500rds through it right now. I have already installed the Benelli extractor and polished the mag tube. The bolt carrier edges are smoothed, it runs great.

I’m stuck on a sighting solution so will start with a cheap fiber optic to check sight in with the good Federal Flight Control 8-pellet.

Any other recommendations?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200704/2b5de5317adf04b1f1bc2e1ed1d6f0f0.file


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[DDTSGM]

My only thought is that I'd hold off on the stock until I decided on what sighting system I was going to use. Could be the Stoeger stock will work fine.

[kjr_29]

My only thought is that I'd hold off on the stock until I decided on what sighting system I was going to use. Could be the Stoeger stock will work fine.

Initially, looking at these two options to start:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1005972033?pid=666597

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/100600150?pid=671251

Thinking a Burris Fast Fire on the pic rail for the RDS.


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[Rick R]

I put a Magpul stock on my 24” M3K using an adapter from MOA. It really improved the guns handling and I can change LOP depending on seasonal dress. I also added a 5 round magazine tube extension from the same company.

I used a mounting plate from EGW to direct mount a Holosun 507c to the receiver.

A friend who use a Benelli in 3 gun competition suggested the Stoeger and so far it’s been an excellent reliable shotgun. Last weekend I shot 50 rounds of trap with the gun with full choked #8 shot, changed the choke tube to improved and hit a 8” steel plate 3 for 3 at 80 yards with slugs.

All in all it’s probably not a shotgun Joe Biden would approve of.

[DDTSGM]

Initially, looking at these two options to start:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1005972033?pid=666597

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/100600150?pid=671251

Thinking a Burris Fast Fire on the pic rail for the RDS.

If you are thinking Burris Fast Fire why don't you ditch the pic rail and get the speed bead mount?

[Rick R]

If you are thinking Burris Fast Fire why don't you ditch the pic rail and get the speed bead mount?

Sorry I missed that part. I’ve got the EGW mount for a Burris Fast Fire that I used until I decided to change to the Holosun. Feel free to send me a private message if you’re interested.

[kjr_29]

If you are thinking Burris Fast Fire why don't you ditch the pic rail and get the speed bead mount?

I’ve looked at it, but not sure it would work with the Magpul stock adapter though from MOA. Something to consider.


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[kjr_29]

I put a Magpul stock on my 24” M3K using an adapter from MOA. It really improved the guns handling and I can change LOP depending on seasonal dress. I also added a 5 round magazine tube extension from the same company.

I used a mounting plate from EGW to direct mount a Holosun 507c to the receiver.

A friend who use a Benelli in 3 gun competition suggested the Stoeger and so far it’s been an excellent reliable shotgun. Last weekend I shot 50 rounds of trap with the gun with full choked #8 shot, changed the choke tube to improved and hit a 8” steel plate 3 for 3 at 80 yards with slugs.

All in all it’s probably not a shotgun Joe Biden would approve of.

Thanks. LOP is what I was interested in affecting for the HD role.

I cannot picture how the Holosun mounts to the receiver, do you have a picture?

My hope is that Uncle Joe disapproves of this one as well :)


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[Rick R]

I’m not able to get pix of my shotgun for a couple days, here’s a link to the EGW site.

https://www.egwguns.com/universal-viper-venom-670-radius-sight-mount-fits-burris-fastfire-and-docter

[kjr_29]

I’m not able to get pix of my shotgun for a couple days, here’s a link to the EGW site.

https://www.egwguns.com/universal-viper-venom-670-radius-sight-mount-fits-burris-fastfire-and-docter

No worries, I did not find this one earlier but the concept makes sense now.


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[kjr_29]

Some parts back in stock, positive progress. Thanks to Rick R for the Burris Fast Fire mount.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/e86154439ce8d226330d24c2b6c77f44.jpg


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[kjr_29]

Magpul Stock adapter eludes me still, hoping the adapters return to inventory soon so the SGA is an option.

Snakeater tactical simple sling enroute.

Re light : looking hard at the Streamlight ProTac HL-X rail mount. Has anyone used one on a shotgun with feedback k on the tape switch?

Any thoughts on magnaporting the barrel? Just curious.


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[Elwin]

I know others have reported issues with the HL-X, specifically problems with the batteries getting knocked out of alignment by recoil so it won't activate. I had one, and with CR123s the recoil of a 5.56 was enough for it to crap out. Supposedly some of them do better with an 18650, and maybe they made a fix since I got mine over a year ago, but I personally wouldn't buy one again for any use, much less a 12ga. If that price range was my limit I'd go with one the older ProTacs. For my uses, I've been happy spending a bit more (but still not Surefire money) for an Arisaka scout light. That and a Surefire tape switch would get you to the same place, I think.

[kjr_29]

I know others have reported issues with the HL-X, specifically problems with the batteries getting knocked out of alignment by recoil so it won't activate. I had one, and with CR123s the recoil of a 5.56 was enough for it to crap out. Supposedly some of them do better with an 18650, and maybe they made a fix since I got mine over a year ago, but I personally wouldn't buy one again for any use, much less a 12ga. If that price range was my limit I'd go with one the older ProTacs. For my uses, I've been happy spending a bit more (but still not Surefire money) for an Arisaka scout light. That and a Surefire tape switch would get you to the same place, I think.

Good feedback, thanks. I am not wedded to the Streamlight, not even a fan of the brand (not their fault, but an awful sales rep has really spoiled me on Streamlight) but I know they have decent products.

I really just liked the form factor and size with the pic rail on the left side of my Nordic barrel clamp. I suppose I could evaluate the Ohlight Odin as well. Will look at your recommendation too.

I have an X300u-A and SF handheld for home and ccw use, but really interested in the mid-level budget area for this build.


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[kjr_29]

I know others have reported issues with the HL-X, specifically problems with the batteries getting knocked out of alignment by recoil so it won't activate. I had one, and with CR123s the recoil of a 5.56 was enough for it to crap out. Supposedly some of them do better with an 18650, and maybe they made a fix since I got mine over a year ago, but I personally wouldn't buy one again for any use, much less a 12ga. If that price range was my limit I'd go with one the older ProTacs. For my uses, I've been happy spending a bit more (but still not Surefire money) for an Arisaka scout light. That and a Surefire tape switch would get you to the same place, I think.

The Arisaka options are great, thanks for the recommendation.


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[Elwin]

The Arisaka options are great, thanks for the recommendation.

No problem, I wish I'd known about them before buying my HL-X. I also use a Surefire for EDC, but the Arisaka 600s are probably my go-to for long guns given the price and form factor. I will note that the one downside is that they aren't always in stock, probably because their production is dependent both on their own body and tailcap runs and on getting heads from Malkoff. Last I looked their 600 was in stock, so I'd consider grabbing it soon if you want one.

[NH Shooter]

No doubt scatterguns knock the crap out of WMLs. A light that might be fine an an AR may not fare as well on a shotgun. I can attest this one holds up, I ran it on an 1187P for a shotgun class and it took the beating in-stride;

https://i.ibb.co/DwgKyLp/1187P-1.jpg


Malkoff MDX22.3-M91T Throw Head (https://malkoffdevices.com/collections/large-malkoff-led-flashlights/products/m91t-md3) on a MD3 body (https://malkoffdevices.com/collections/parts-and-miscellaneous-items/products/md3-body-and-switch). No need for the high/low switch option on the head, and for the body order the standard tailcap (I modiify the McClicky for momentary-only for WML use). It runs fine on three standard CR123 batteries, or if you wish two 18500 Li-ion cells.

Great beam pattern too for the application (750 lumens/19,000 candela).

[HCM]

Some parts back in stock, positive progress. Thanks to Rick R for the Burris Fast Fire mount.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/e86154439ce8d226330d24c2b6c77f44.jpg


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What are the sights on the vent rib ?

[Lex Luthier]

What are the sights on the vent rib ?

That looks very serviceable to these untrained eyes.

[HCM]

That looks very serviceable to these untrained eyes.

Hence my interest. the Yeti (Steve Fisher of Sentinel Concepts) had Vang Comp do a VR 870 with a similarly situated set of Trijicon HD pistol sights.

[kjr_29]

That looks very serviceable to these untrained eyes.
They work great for what they are!

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[kjr_29]

What are the sights on the vent rib ?

Williams Fire Sight universal - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/100600150?pid=671251

They were very easy to install and took minimal adjustment to zero. Green and red fiber make it easy to work. No complaints from me!


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[UpDok]

No doubt scatterguns knock the crap out of WMLs. A light that might be fine an an AR may not fare as well on a shotgun. I can attest this one holds up, I ran it on an 1187P for a shotgun class and it took the beating in-stride;

https://i.ibb.co/DwgKyLp/1187P-1.jpg


Malkoff MDX22.3-M91T Throw Head (https://malkoffdevices.com/collections/large-malkoff-led-flashlights/products/m91t-md3) on a MD3 body (https://malkoffdevices.com/collections/parts-and-miscellaneous-items/products/md3-body-and-switch). No need for the high/low switch option on the head, and for the body order the standard tailcap (I modiify the McClicky for momentary-only for WML use). It runs fine on three standard CR123 batteries, or if you wish two 18500 Li-ion cells.

Great beam pattern too for the application (750 lumens/19,000 candela).

NH that's a great looking shotgun. I don't want to sound irritatingly clever or smug, but I get all itchy just looking at all the poison ivy in the photo. I think I would wash that shotgun in warm soapy water before touching it.

[NH Shooter]

NH that's a great looking shotgun. I don't want to sound irritatingly clever or smug, but I get all itchy just looking at all the poison ivy in the photo. I think I would wash that shotgun in warm soapy water before touching it.

Thanks!

My wife is horribly allergic to it, I'm immune to it. This is how I keep her from fondling my guns. ;-)

[kjr_29]

No doubt scatterguns knock the crap out of WMLs. A light that might be fine an an AR may not fare as well on a shotgun. I can attest this one holds up, I ran it on an 1187P for a shotgun class and it took the beating in-stride;

https://i.ibb.co/DwgKyLp/1187P-1.jpg


Malkoff MDX22.3-M91T Throw Head (https://malkoffdevices.com/collections/large-malkoff-led-flashlights/products/m91t-md3) on a MD3 body (https://malkoffdevices.com/collections/parts-and-miscellaneous-items/products/md3-body-and-switch). No need for the high/low switch option on the head, and for the body order the standard tailcap (I modiify the McClicky for momentary-only for WML use). It runs fine on three standard CR123 batteries, or if you wish two 18500 Li-ion cells.

Great beam pattern too for the application (750 lumens/19,000 candela).

Thoughts on the Wildcat? https://malkoffdevices.com/products/malkoff-wildcat

I’m liking the wider beam idea for inside my house on in my yard/home proximity. The throw head would be great on a center fire rifle though!


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[NH Shooter]

Thoughts on the Wildcat? https://malkoffdevices.com/products/malkoff-wildcat

I’m liking the wider beam idea for inside my house on in my yard/home proximity.

I owned the Wildcat v.6 (previous version, 1600 lumens, now discontinued) and it was 100% as advertised: a wide, uniformly bright beam with little-to-no discernible central hot spot. And that, IMO, is the issue using it as a WML (especially inside the house): the bean is so wide that you will be illuminated from bounce off the walls/ceilings nearly as well as the target. The other issue with the latest iteration of the Wildcat is the larger diameter head - you will not be able to mount it as tight to the barrel and magazine.

The M61HOT and M91T actually have extremely wide spill too, it's just much less bright. It's bright enough outdoors to maintain SA within pistol or SG fighting distances, but focuses most of the lumens in the center of the beam where it's really needed when focused on a threat.

FWIW, the Modlte PLHv2 (https://modlite.com/collections/handheld-lights/products/modlite-handheld-plhv2-18650-light-package?variant=31650523971620) would be an excellent choice for this use as well.

[kjr_29]

Have not updated this in a bit.
- MOA precision Magpul adapter allows the Mossberg 590 SGA to work, love this stock.
- Snake Eater tactical Simple sling with long loop solved my front attachment.
- Vang Comp shell card with some industrial hook/loop affixed to the receiver. (13rds on board)

Still no light or red dot but I’ll get there. Too many projects at the moment.

Thinking about having another 3/4” removed from the barrel to make it 18” total. It’s 18 3/4” now with my cut but liking this configuration, I just need to have it finished professionally now.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201213/611922346587a587c6a63c5958c13ba1.jpg

[Elwin]

Are you still liking those sights? I’ve recently come into possession of an 870 and a cut down vent ribbed barrel, and I’m debating those or the Truglo version of the same idea vs. the XS pistol style sights that cost more and require paying someone to cut dovetails in the rib.

[kjr_29]

Are you still liking those sights? I’ve recently come into possession of an 870 and a cut down vent ribbed barrel, and I’m debating those or the Truglo version of the same idea vs. the XS pistol style sights that cost more and require paying someone to cut dovetails in the rib.

I am. After working presentations to sort out sling length, my only wish is the front fiber was a little bigger, but that may be my 48yr old eyes and a red dot will fix that deficiency. Overall, happy with the purchase.


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[CarlK]

kjr_29 have you had to do any modifications for it to function reliably with tactical buckshot? My Stoeger Freedom 3000 won’t eject reliably with reduced velocity 00. I also love the MOA adapter + SGA stock.

[kjr_29]

kjr_29 have you had to do any modifications for it to function reliably with tactical buckshot? My Stoeger Freedom 3000 won’t eject reliably with reduced velocity 00. I also love the MOA adapter + SGA stock.

Not at all. When I was using it for duck hunting, I had some extractor issues, but that Benelli M2 replacement extractor and spring kit that MOA sells solved that. The hook on the extractor was just not long/sharp enough to hang on to the rim of a 3” waterfowl load for the whole bolt cycle.

I did polish up the magazine tube and chamfer some edges of the bolt carrier, but those tips were something I saw from the 3-gun crowd and had performed also that first year of ownership.

I would look at two things for your situation:
- hone the bore for smoothness
- add that Benelli extractor and spring.


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[Rick R]

kjr_29 have you had to do any modifications for it to function reliably with tactical buckshot? My Stoeger Freedom 3000 won’t eject reliably with reduced velocity 00. I also love the MOA adapter + SGA stock.

My M3K runs 100% with Winchester 00 and slugs, Federal LE 00 and any flavor 1 1/8oz “Handicap” target loads.
It will short stroke on Fiocchi Defense low recoil 00 and my reduced recoil skeet loads. The recoil operated semi auto shotguns are a balancing act.

MOA sells a reduced power recoil spring for light load reliability in the Stoeger but I haven’t tried mine yet.

[CarlK]

Thanks for the info. I installed the reduced power recoil spring from MOA last week but haven’t test-fired yet. I also am trying to find the Benelli extractor but it looks like they are out of stock everywhere.

[revolvergeek]

Hence my interest. the Yeti (Steve Fisher of Sentinel Concepts) had Vang Comp do a VR 870 with a similarly situated set of Trijicon HD pistol sights.

Long long ago Gomez had someone (I THINK Texas Brigade Armory but can't swear to it) install a XS Big Dot front sight and the express rear for a Beretta Tomcat into the vent rib on a 870 Youth 20 gauge. WOW you talk about a fast and handy little gun.

[Elwin]

Long long ago Gomez had someone (I THINK Texas Brigade Armory but can't swear to it) install a XS Big Dot front sight and the express rear for a Beretta Tomcat into the vent rib on a 870 Youth 20 gauge. WOW you talk about a fast and handy little gun.

If I understand what you're describing, that's now a shotgun sight option available as a bundle from XS: https://www.xssights.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=993618&CAT=8271

It's what I'd be looking at as the more expensive option vs. clamp-on sights like what the OP opted for here, whenever I get around to putting sights on my 870. Hence my definite interest in how the OP's sights hold up.

[revolvergeek]

If I understand what you're describing, that's now a shotgun sight option available as a bundle from XS: https://www.xssights.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=993618&CAT=8271

It's what I'd be looking at as the more expensive option vs. clamp-on sights like what the OP opted for here, whenever I get around to putting sights on my 870. Hence my definite interest in how the OP's sights hold up.

oooohhhhhhhhh..... I had not seen those.... And I picked up a M1Super90 on trade last year.....................