Girsan MC 312 semi-automatic shotgun review

[@jackcarpenter2]

Got mine in 3 1/2" camo. Had a couple of cycling issues with it, even a misfire once on a big trophy buck. Sent it back, got it back in a few weeks and been great since. Dropped a buck at 50 yards. I will say it hates Winchester ammo, terrible patterns but Federal premium 3" full choke is pretty darn nice. Great review!

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Sorry you missed out on a trophy, but I am glad you were able to harvest one... at 50 yards?!??!! Awesome! Glad it’s working for you now. Thanks for watching! Thank you for your comments!

[@knuckoff]

I just bought the camo one for duck hunting after watching your review

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Awesome! Congrats on your purchase! I like mine and certainly affordable. Thanks for watching!

[@cubancigarman2687]

Camo!I have all blk and walnut shotties , needed a 3.5 chamber. This is not my cheapest shotty, but my cheaper ones run well. The middle of the pack is a moss 930 jm pro I picked up many years back, but it’s clean n in the closet for a rainy day. Glad I got it way before the craziness started! Best of luck with your’s!

[@Drpolicebox]

I've had the MC 3512 (can chamber up to 3.5s) for a year now, wood furniture. I love it. Perfect gun for waterfowl and upland

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Logan Crump nice to hear from a long time user of this brand! I know I am very happy with mine. Thank you for your comment, it is appreciated!

[@str8shooter52]

So glad I bought one of these! I’m retiring my Stevens SXS, and going to use the Girsan for clays!! Thanks for the video! Can’t wait for it to warm up here in Ohio, so I can bust some clays. 👍

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Thanks for your comments! Definitely a fun gun! Thanks for watching!

[@Moudmenn]

any issue with it

[@davidnice9216]

I have the mc312 in black. I found the factory choke is ok but after replacement with Carson tubes dove and upland bird and the carlson creaminator choke tubes for ducks and geese the shotgun paterns much better. Make sure that you shoulder the shotgun firmly so the action goes all the way through battery. If you soft shoulder it , it will short stroke and may not pick up the next shell. Other than that I love mine.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Well said. I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for your comments.

[@dsaugustus]

The Carlson website didn't have any girsan tubes, which firearm tunes, compatible?

[@r.b.somers2052]

I bought the camo version. It's great and fires flawlessly. What a deal!

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Awesome feedback! I am certainly happy with mine and at a bargain price! Thanks for watching!

[@r.b.somers2052]

@@footprintoutdoors6144 no problem. My Hatfield experience was a disaster. Avoid those!

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@r.b.somers2052 thanks for the heads up! Which model was that?

[@r.b.somers2052]

@@footprintoutdoors6144 all of them!

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@r.b.somers2052 LOL! Noted.

[@OutdoorsAnonymous]

Nice review video. I’m looking at picking up one of these so good to know it cycles well and with a variety of ammo you tried there as well. I have a girsan MC28 which I’m happy with so nice to see this Girsan shotty is a good performer too!

[@Aladeen123]

Yes, nice review, decided to get one, on sale at Cabelas $429.99, waiting for mine to ship. Just like your video on the GSG 15, got mine just after.

[@craigmcfadden5696]

@@Aladeen123 I'm going nxt week! I feel like we may be onto something that sounds like it's too good to be true,,but isnt

[@TheMiddat]

I've read on multiple platforms that it shoots high and to the left, some specifically saying 3" high and 3" left. I got mine 2nd hand but never fired, never saw any shims that came with it. I'll just remember to shoot a little low and a little right. I only deer hunt

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

thank you for your comments! Mine definitely came with shims. Maybe try on a pattern board first. You may not have to compensate. Thanks for watching!!

[@Parayogi]

if 'it shoots high and to the left" it simply means it's not zeroed. no?

[@davidnice9216]

I have an MC 312 I bought four years ago. Wish I could post pics here to show its a goose getter. Only had two problems so far. In 2019 duck hunting I had a malfunction that required disassembly in the blind. It was a double feed after the first shot. I had a live shell in the chamber and one stuck on the feed and jammed against the bolt. The bolt was stuck and would not eject and the shell in the middle would not move back toward the shell tube . ended up pulling the shotgun apart and calling it a day. Afyer a trip to the hospital to stick a deep laceration to my left hand from using a tool to correct the issue in the blind. 6 stitches later. I was back at ducks the next morning ( Dr didn't like that) but thats it. A few failed to feed but thats shooter error. Need to mount the shotgun firmly to shoulder before shooting after dove and a few grouse.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

excellent comments! I know some viewers have asked if there is any long time users of the MC 312. In this case, that would be you…. Thanks! You are absolutely correct, proper mount of the MC 312 shotgun is key. What choke are you using for geese?

[@davidnice9216]

Carlson ported cremator mid and long range tubes for duck and geese. And standard carlson tubes in the improved to improved modified for doves and upland birds I have the skeet tube for clays but also doves over decoys. I shoot 2 3/4 to 3 inch . 3 inch #3 for ducks and geese. 2 3/4 in 7.5 for dove and 6 and 5 for upland. I stay away from Winchester shot shells due to patterning and performance . I prefer Rio , Federal, and Fiocchi shells for hunting.

[@davidnice9216]

I do love Montana for the wonderful opportunity to hunt almost half a Year for birds and fish and help ranchers with gophers and prairie dogs the other half. When we go to elk camp we always bring a shotgun for grouse and ducks when we have time.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@davidnice9216 great info! I use a lot of SCORE ammunition (I bought A LOT) when Wholesale sports was closing. I do like Federal as well and agree 100% with on Winchester. Thank you for your comments.

[@neiloliver5317]

@@davidnice9216 thank you Sir I have been looking for long term user opinions. Mine is on the way. I haven’t really saw any bad reviews which bothers me worse than bad reviews.

[@00-Dima]

Nice going to pick one up since I was Happy the the Girsan MC

[@timhawkeye1975]

Nice I bought the camo version. Cant wait too go out for waterfowl

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Good luck out in the field!

[@christianguifarro1957]

Does it shoot 3.5s as well?

[@timhawkeye1975]

@@christianguifarro1957 mine is only 3" but they do make a 3 1/2 one

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@christianguifarro1957 this model is 2 3/4 and 3" only. A 3.5 inch model is available though.

[@Rsossy]

Christian Guifarro ya they make them now that shoots all including 3 1/2

[@hittinvtecwithturbo]

After I heard “Whew!! That’s great!” I went online and bought one…. Thanks 🤣😅

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Lol! Awesome feedback and congrats! Thanks for watching!

[@hickslightfoot]

I bought the tactical version of this... love it, but seems like any load less than 1oz it wont cycle next round...I'm still in the process of trying different loads... also hoping after a few more hundred rounds the spring will lighten up a bit :)

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Congrats the tactical version, it looks awesome! I haven’t had any cycling issues. You may be right and just need a longer break in period. Some have had issues with cycling because they didn’t have the butt firm against their shoulders while firing. A firm mount is best for an inertia gun. Either way I’m sure you firing a few 100 more rounds in nothing but pure fun! :) Thanks for your comments!

[@khushnaseeb9290]

Really its very comfortable and good 👍 short gun I have also i am from Pakistan, karachi

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Hello and thank you for your comments. Definitely like mine too! Thanks for watching!

[@mindcrime420]

Still prefer a model/11 same as a Browning A5! But 3.5 inch is insane I recommend the limb saver!

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Thanks for watching!

[@riverrivers250]

I finally went and bought one this spring, in camo 3” version, but i was wondering, my manual nor the chokes say anything about shooting steel shot through the factory chokes??,, not that it matters lol i just went ahead and ordered a choke on sale from cabelas “BLACKMAXX” waterfowl choke extended range,, it worked for me lol, i still have yet to pattern the choke, i jus slapped it on and started using it, hahaha

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Awesome! It’s not recommended to shoot Steel shot out of a factory full choke (should be lead only) the other chokes that come with the Girsan are fine for steel shot. I have picked up the the same choke, the Black Maxx extended range waterfowl. I have year to even shoot it. That’s for your comments.

[@burfmech6675]

There's something about shotguns. I haven't figured out what it is,so I just keep buying them.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Haha! I can totally relate to this comment! Thanks for watching!

[@iamcondescending]

Would you suggest this shotgun for 3 gun? Want to try my hand at competition in June but don't have a shotgun I can use. (I only have a 590M) so I'm looking for something low cost.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

I know I have seen another video of a guy who modified his Girsan MC312 for 3 gun. Considering the extra cost of modifications, I would say “yes” to the Girsan. Mine is lite, shoots fast and cycles ammunition no problem.

[@mannymrtz4940]

Awesome review!

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Manny Mrtz thank you for watching and THANK YOU for comment!

[@crystalmora9441]

So uh...I bought this shotgun yesterday. It was a birthday gift to myself. Can't wait to shoot it.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Crystal Mora Happy Birthday to you! Thank you for your comment!

[@crystalmora9441]

@@footprintoutdoors6144 Is this a shotgun for a lady 😆 Took it to the range and it tore my ass up. I have to see if I can order a cushion for the gun. A lot force which jams into my shoulder ouch! My husband was laughing at me. He held and fired it with no problem. Thank you for the birthday comment.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Crystal Mora Lol! I know there has been some videos posted for softer butt plates.

[@bluewater82]

I just ordered it as a birthday present to myself, as well. An, uuuuh, early birthday present since my bday isn’t until June 😂

[@sheepdog72]

Love it! Great video

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

thank you for your comments. Feedback is always appreciated. Thanks for watching!

[@lloydkimmen3251]

Does anyone know if these accept a magazine extension for snow goose hunting ?

[@codybrooks2696]

Well. This may be the review that gets this gun in my safe. Been looking for a decent affordable semi for a while.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Thank you for your comments. Definitely a bargain price for a semi and they perform just as well. Thanks for watching!

[@lucienfury2606]

i will give you mine i value my life

[@lucienfury2606]

i'm not kidding about giving it away its never even been fired its brand new

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@lucienfury2606 I’d definitely take it off of your hands.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@lucienfury2606 sounds good! Where are you located?

[@brad6952]

Thanks man I just purchased that same shotgun, how long is the rifle bag?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

the length is 52" The specific case or rifle bag, is the Cabela's Northern Flight Deluxe Floating Waterfowl Case. Hopefully that helps. Thanks for your comment!

[@kavehoskoui8292]

It looks like that it kicks like a mule? Or is it the camera?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

The kick isn’t that bad, there is more felt recoil from a pump. I was shooting 3 inch shells quite a bit in the video. Thanks for watching!

[@wedge308]

"Whew, that's great!"

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Thanks for watching!

[@derekhudson3415]

Hey great vid. Did you ever have any light primer strike issues? Specifically with winchester superX? 2"3/4 #6. We've been unable to use this gun at all due to the amount of misfires.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Derek Hudson Thank you for your comment! I can’t say that I have any issues with light primer strikes with this gun. Or Winchester Super X ammo. Have you followed the recommend “break in” proceeded outline by Girsan? Are the misfires only with Winchester loads?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Derek Hudson please let me know. I don’t that ammo on hand but isn’t hard to pick up a box and try it. I did use Federal in 2 3/4 #6

[@derekhudson3415]

@@footprintoutdoors6144 We fired the same ammo in our Winchester pump no issue. We did switch type of ammunition but same brand and it fired 3 in a row. I have yet to do more shooting. We have successfully fired more than 40 rounds but have to eject the shells that don't fire. Its tough. Its every 2nd or 3rd shot. Its crazy all the reviews online are fantastic but I've read in forums online that its an issue. Girsan warranty is mixed, they should offer better service so far its been up to the customer to handle everything. Shipping in Canada for firearms is no longer tolerated in Canada due to some bullshit associated with covid19. Unless you meet the strict requirements from Canada post. Even shipping the gun completely disassembled it needs a trigger lock and a locked hardcase and you need a small business account with them. Along with other things. Can no longer just bring the gun in and ship in the manufacture box. I have taken it apart and cleaned and reoiled and still light strikes with particular ammo it seems. Sorry for the rant! Thanks for the quick reply.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Derek Hudson I’m ok with the rant! Lol! I have fired Champion, Federal, Score and Winchester with no issues. Are making sure the butt of the stock is seated in shoulder for every trigger pull? I have read similar as you in the forums. Hopefully you find some of this helpful.

[@oneofthosepeople2101]

@@derekhudson3415 government will take everything you are unwilling to fight for. This is just the beginning.

[@evilwhitemamba]

very informative thanks!

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Thank you for your comment!

[@katashi222]

Hi, it's this good for hunting turkey? What shell do you recommend for turkey and also $399 where?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

It would work for turkey, the hi viz bead would get you on target. It is not drilled and tapped for a scope. I hunt turkey with 3 inch turkey loads. Thanks for watching.

[@swmplvr]

Dicks Sporting Goods had it for $299!! Lady said was only one they had as if to say that Dicks was only sent one of the guns ?! Very strange.. but maybe check your local Dicks if you have one hopefully not same as our local one cus it got purchased =)

[@David603B]

Does anyone know what size threads I would need to replace the iron sights ?

[@YogaNinja76]

What was the shot like after the shims? I have one new. Also. Did you shoot. 3.5 inches too

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Very accurate for me. Just needed to adjust the fit. Welcome to the club lol! Mine is only in 3 inch. Thanks for watching!

[@YogaNinja76]

@@footprintoutdoors6144 thank. Excited.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@YogaNinja76 just remember it may not cycle light loads at first, in the manual it’s suggests a breakin period with 3 inch hunting loads. Also because it is an inertia gun, keep the butt of your stock firmly in the pocket of your shoulder while firing and follow through.

[@YogaNinja76]

@@footprintoutdoors6144 I forgot to mentioned I really appreciated you comment on leaving the environment better than you came on it. Thanks for the info

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@YogaNinja76 Thanks for your comments!

[@RitzCaraldo]

Just bought one of these. Can anyone recommend a choke that's available in Canada for shooting ducks and geese with steel shoot.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

thanks for the sub! Patternmaster Code Black series is popular and available in Canada also Carlson choke tubes. Congrats on your purchase!

[@91Beats91]

That Winchester superX through the full choke - was that steel shot?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

It was….which is not recommended. That is why I didn’t do too many shots through the full choke. The manual states not to use steel through the full choke. Thanks for watching!

[@ks2883]

This is the only review I have seen that says it comes with shims for the stock. EAA website says no shims are available. Has anyone else had shims come with theirs?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

mine definitely came with shims for drop and cast

[@SellswordCC]

Hi, How's the lifter on it, extended? Was thinking of using it as a beginner in 3 gun, and saw the loading port was opened up, but didn't find much info on the lifter, and was wondering if i'd have to weld, or look for a drop in one, and how many shells did your tube fit out of the box?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

The lifer seems standard, I haven’t modified it. Out of the box 3. If you take out the plug 5. Hopefully that helps. Thanks for your comments!

[@ffemt703]

Sorry to chime in here and reference another youtuber's info, but I watched a video last night of someone who used it for 3 gun. I believe he said there is drop in extended lifters available, but do not remember what brand. He also added a extension tube on it for 12 rd capability with minimal modifications. This has the same spring setup as the M2 I believe and some parts are interchangeable if you do some research. I do not recall his name, but it was a review video as well

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@ffemt703 I saw the video as well. I believe it was Tarin tactical for the lifter kit, the extend magazine is said to be a Nordic kit. The KZbinr is ShooterRay . Hopefully that helps. Thanks for your comment!

[@SellswordCC]

@@ffemt703 thanks man, just the info i was looking for!

[@SellswordCC]

@@footprintoutdoors6144 thanks! this is exactly what i was looking for.

[@daneh3443]

Sold...

[@markblemings]

Is the full choke rated for steel shot?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

No, it is not. That’s why I only tried a few shots. You would need an aftermarket choke if you want a full choke pattern with steel shot. Thanks for your comment!

[@markblemings]

@@footprintoutdoors6144 gun looks pretty solid for $400. At that price I'm probably going to buy one as a spare

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

That’s the exact same reason I picked mine up. Excellent price for a brand new semi, inertia gun. That’s almost the same price as a pump.

[@markblemings]

I've spent a lot more money on autos that were garbage so there isn't much to lose. Are you in eastern canada?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@markblemings no I am in western Canada... Manitoba.

[@kluezturnt2907]

I just bought the same gun(camo version)I’m wondering why when I load it I shoot one but none go back in the chamber ?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

Nice! Congrats! So it’s not cycling? A couple of thoughts I have are ... 1 - is the butt of the gun firmly pressed against your shoulder and in the pocket while firing? 2- What ammo and she’ll size are you using? The manual suggests 10 rounds of heavy loads (3 inch hunting loads) to break in or soften the spring for proper shell cycling. I was impressed and surprised mine fire 2 3/4 target loads right out of the box. Please let me know if point #1 or #2 helps. Thanks for watching!

[@Marvelbricks123]

U using lead shot?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

I used both. For the pattern boards I used what I would be hunting with (steel shot) waterfowl loads. At the beginning of the video (the blue shells) were lead target loads. I was also using light lead target loads on the clays pigeons. Thanks for watching!

[@devinmcmillan1180]

Can you fire steel shot with the full choke in

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

No, it is not recommended in the manual. I fired a few shots. But again it is not recommended. If you want a fuller pattern with steel shot, you will need and aftermarket choke. Thanks for watching!

[@devinmcmillan1180]

@@footprintoutdoors6144 I have the modified choke in right now that I was using for waterfowl.....what would you recommend would be good to use the full choke for.....will it handle buck shoot during deer season.....do you know what other makes of chokes will fit this shotgun.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@devinmcmillan1180 I shoot modified as well. It’s the best all rounder for the type of hunting I do. I am just using what came with the Girsan at this point. The choke type for the Girsan MC312 is a Mobil choke, Beretta/Benelli. If you want an aftermarket choke, Carlson or Pattern Master are good choices, with a Benelli/Beretta Mobil choke thread.

[@ReservedOutdoorz]

Where did you get this for 399!?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

I got mine at a Canadian Tire. Thanks for watching.

[@lilbible6963]

I got mine for 329

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

@@lilbible6963 awesome! That is a solid deal, where abouts did you get it?

[@lilbible6963]

@@footprintoutdoors6144 im from pennsylvania its a little mom and pop gun shop called dumms just shot a 3.5 out of it and killed a big Canadian goose

[@riverrivers250]

I WANT ONE,,, price is nice for a semi,,,,, u been using it for hunting?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

I have used it for hunting. It’s been good for me. Not too many semis in that price range either.

[@skim2958]

Isn't this gun 3 1/2"?

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

It comes 3 or 3 1/2 . The store I bought mine from only had the 3 inch model. Thanks for watching.

[@lucienfury2606]

it would be a decent paperweight if it wasn't so light

[@lucienfury2606]

this gun is not worth purchasing mine started having mechanical issues like the charging lever falling off the bolt and having nothing on it to keep it in place the hammer has zero tension on it even when its cocked. my experience tells me to leave it in the box and if i value my life to not even think about putting any rounds through this beautiful piece of garbage

[@bluewater82]

“Pick up after yourself and leave it better than before you came.” Proceeds to shoot wads all over the place.

[@footprintoutdoors6144]

I picked up every hull after shooting. Including all debris and other people’s garbage. I certainly left the area better than I found it. Thanks for your comment.