Girsan MC312 12 GA 28in 3.5in Mossy Oak Bottomland
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Girsan MC312 12 GA 28in 3.5in Mossy Oak Bottomland? The Girsan MC312 is a 12 gauge semi-automatic inertia-driven shotgun designed for field use and general-purpose shooting. It's configured as a no-frills, functional tool with a 28-inch vent-rib barrel and a 3.5-inch chamber that accepts a wide range of 12-gauge loads. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish on the synthetic stock and forend provides basic concealment and weather resistance, making it a straightforward choice for shooters prioritizing utility over aesthetics.
What is the Girsan MC312 12 GA 28in 3.5in Mossy Oak Bottomland used for?
The MC312 is primarily used for upland and waterfowl hunting, as well as informal range shooting. Its inertia-operated action and 28-inch barrel provide reliable cycling with standard target loads up through punishing 3.5-inch Magnum shells, with the 50-inch overall length offering a stable swing on moving targets. This makes it a versatile choice for a shooter who wants one shotgun to handle everything from doves to geese.
How does the Girsan MC312 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Girsan MC312 is better for volume shooting and punishing recoil, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is superior for precision target work. The MC312’s semi-auto inertia system eats 50 rapid rounds easier on your shoulder than an over-under, and you don’t have to manually switch between barrels. However, the Stevens 555’s twin triggers and 30-inch barrels provide a more consistent, refined point for formal trap or sporting clays.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Girsan MC312 weighs 6.94 pounds unloaded and measures 50 inches in overall length. The 28-inch barrel, precisely 711 mm long, gives it a balanced swing weight, while the synthetic stock keeps the system lightweight for a full-day carry afield. This places it roughly 2.5 pounds heavier than a Stevens 334 rifle, but that’s expected for a shotgun designed to handle heavier recoil forces.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for competitive clay shooters or those who prioritize a refined, traditional aesthetic. The inertia-driven bolt requires a firm, consistent shoulder pocket to cycle reliably, making it less forgiving for new or smaller-statured shooters using lighter loads. If you’re spending 4 hours a week on the trap line, you’re better served by an over-under or a gas-operated semi-auto designed for that specific cadence and feel.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, a set of 5 Optima-threaded choke tubes, and a basic owner's manual. The five chokes cover the spectrum from Cylinder to Full constriction, allowing you to quickly adapt from close-range brush to long-range waterfowl without buying extra parts. Notably, a basic choke tube wrench is included, so you can swap chokes from the box without needing a specific tool for the first 150-200 shots before the carbon sets in.
Is the Girsan MC312 12 GA 28in 3.5in Mossy Oak Bottomland worth it at $513.99?
At $513.99, this shotgun is worth it for the hunter who needs a dependable, all-weather workhorse capable of handling any 12-gauge load. You’re paying for a proven Benelli-style inertia system with a camo finish and choke set included, which is a significant value compared to similarly configured models from major brands that start closer to $800. For the price, you get effective functionality without paying for a fancy brand name or premium-grade wood.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.94 lbs — balances well for a 28-inch barrel system.
- Accepts 3.5-inch Magnum shells — handles the full spectrum of 12-gauge loads.
- Includes 5 Optima choke tubes — covers Cylinder to Full constriction out of the box.
- Inertia-driven action — simpler to clean than a gas-operated system like many competitors.
Trade-offs
- Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish — pattern is region-specific and dated for some hunters.
- Proprietary stock design — limits aftermarket stock upgrades without gunsmithing.
- No fiber-optic or adjustable sights — front bead is basic and non-adjustable for elevation or windage.
- Rubber recoil pad is basic — lacks the advanced dampening of a Limbsaver or Pachmayr pad for repeated Magnum use.
Key attributes
| upc | 741566906169 |
| manufacturer | Girsan Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 390152 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Camo |
| length | 37.1500 |
| model | MC312 |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket stocks?
- The MC312’s synthetic stock is proprietary and not directly interchangeable with aftermarket Benelli M2 stocks without significant modification. The receiver geometry is similar, but the mounting points differ, meaning you’ll need a gunsmith for any stock swap, adding about $120-150 in labor to the cost of the new stock itself.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch rifle case?
- No, the MC312's 50-inch overall length means it will not fit in a standard 52-inch rifle case with protective padding. You’ll need a case with an internal length of at least 51.5 inches, such as the Plano All-Weather 52-inch model or a dedicated 54-inch soft case, to accommodate the gun and barrel without forcing the zipper.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping is handled via Ironclad Armory’s logistics partner and typically takes 3-7 business days to arrive at your designated FFL after order verification. We cannot ship directly to your home; you must provide a valid, current Federal Firearms Licensee for delivery, per ATF regulation 27 CFR 478.124.
- Can I return it if it doesn’t fit?
- We accept returns for un-fired firearms within 14 calendar days of receipt at your FFL, provided they are in the original, undamaged packaging with all factory seals intact and the serial number unaltered. You will be responsible for a 15% restocking fee and the return shipping to our facility in Knoxville, which typically costs $45-75 with insurance.
- Does this work with standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes?
- No, the MC312 uses the Optima choke system, specifically the Optima HP threads, which are not interchangeable with standard Benelli Mobil or Beretta Mobile chokes. Using the wrong thread pattern can cause catastrophic failure; stick to the included 5 tubes or purchase verified Girsan/Optima HP compatible chokes from manufacturers like Carlson’s.