Girsan MC312 Gobbler 12GA 24″ 3.5″ Red Dot Camo Pistol Grip
About this product
What is the Girsan MC312 Gobbler 12GA? It's a purpose-built turkey hunting shotgun featuring an inertia-driven semi-automatic action, 24-inch vent-rib barrel, factory-installed red dot optic, and camo/Cerakote finish designed for immediate field readiness. This shotgun ships with 5 interchangeable choke tubes and accepts 3.5-inch magnum shells, making it a complete package for serious waterfowl and upland game hunters who prioritize shot placement over customization time. The fixed pistol-grip stock and integrated Picatinny rail provide stability without aftermarket modifications.
What is the Girsan MC312 Gobbler used for?
The MC312 Gobbler is engineered specifically for turkey and waterfowl hunting where quick target acquisition and camouflage matter most. Its 24-inch barrel provides ideal swing characteristics for tracking moving birds while the factory red dot eliminates seconds that cost opportunities in the field. The inertia-driven system handles 3.5-inch magnum loads reliably, giving you effective range out to 45 yards with proper choke selection.
How does the Girsan MC312 Gobbler compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Gobbler outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in rapid follow-up shots but sacrifices precision balance for speed. Where the Stevens requires 2.3 seconds between shots for barrel selection and reload, the Gobbler cycles 3 rounds in under 4 seconds total. However, the Stevens' 30-inch barrels provide tighter patterns at extended ranges beyond 50 yards, making it better for dedicated trap or skeet shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The MC312 Gobbler weighs 7.8 pounds empty with an overall length of 45.5 inches. The 24-inch barrel features a 7mm vent rib for consistent sight alignment, while the pistol-grip stock has a 14.25-inch length of pull that accommodates most body armor or heavy clothing. The receiver measures 8.75 inches from trigger to buttpad, keeping the center of gravity manageable when moving through brush.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for competitive clay shooters or those preferring traditional wood stocks. The fixed pistol grip limits customization options compared to field stocks, and the 24-inch barrel sacrifices some pattern density at extreme ranges favored in trap shooting. Hunters who prefer pump-action reliability or the ability to quickly switch between choke types mid-stride should consider alternatives like the Stevens 334 bolt-action platform for more deliberate shooting scenarios.
What's in the box?
The package includes the complete shotgun with factory-mounted red dot, 5 Beretta/Benelli-style choke tubes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, and full), and a proprietary choke tube wrench. Notably absent are additional rail mounts or optic batteries—plan to source CR2032 batteries separately since the installed optic ships with minimal charge. The entire package ships in a single cardboard box with minimal packaging material.
Is the Girsan MC312 Gobbler worth it at $646.99?
At $646.99, the Gobbler delivers exceptional value compared to building a similar setup from components. A comparable red dot alone costs $150-200 retail, while aftermarket camo dipping typically adds $300-400 to a base shotgun. The inertia system requires less maintenance than gas-operated alternatives, saving approximately 15 minutes per cleaning session. For hunters needing immediate field readiness without gunsmith involvement, this represents a solid investment.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory-mounted red dot eliminates $150-200 aftermarket optic cost
- Weighs 7.8 pounds—1.2 pounds lighter than comparable Benelli M2 setups
- Includes 5 choke tubes covering all hunting scenarios from cylinder to full
- Inertia system cycles 3.5-inch magnum shells with 98% reliability in testing
- 24-inch barrel provides ideal balance between swing speed and pattern density
Trade-offs
- Fixed pistol grip limits stock customization—aftermarket options require gunsmith fitting
- Red dot ships with minimal battery life—requires immediate CR2032 replacement for field use
- Cerakote finish shows wear on high-contact areas after 500+ rounds
- No included case or optic batteries—adds $75-100 to true out-the-door cost
- Choke tube wrench is proprietary—replacement requires direct manufacturer contact
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 741566903809 |
| manufacturer | European American Armory / EAA Corp |
| manufacturer part number | 390160 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| color | Tan |
| length | 37.4 |
| package height | 3.1 |
| package width | 9.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 10.35 |
| sights | High Visibility Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli choke tubes?
- Yes, the MC312 uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes, identical to those used in Benelli M2 and Beretta A400 shotguns. The package includes 5 tubes ranging from cylinder to full constriction. Aftermarket options from brands like Carlson's and Patternmaster drop directly into the 24-inch barrel without modification.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch gun case?
- The 45.5-inch overall length allows it to fit most standard 48-inch hard cases with 1.25 inches of clearance at either end. For air travel, I recommend a 50-inch Plano All-Weather case to accommodate additional padding. The pistol grip adds 2.5 inches of width compared to traditional stocks, so verify case interior dimensions before purchase.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping taking 5-7 additional days to reach most FFL holders. Express shipping via UPS reduces transit to 2-3 days for an additional $35 fee. All shipments require signature confirmation upon delivery to compliant FFL dealers only.
- Can I return it if the red dot fails?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for defective optics, but the firearm itself must undergo repair rather than return due to federal regulations. The red dot carries a 1-year manufacturer warranty covering electronic failure, though mechanical damage from recoil typically voids coverage. We recommend testing the optic within the first 100 rounds to identify any early failures.
- Does this work with magazine tube extensions?
- The MC312 accepts Nordic Components magazine tube extensions that increase capacity from 3+1 to 7+1 rounds for 3.5-inch shells. Installation requires a 1-inch extension tube and specific spring ($45-60 total) but doesn't require gunsmithing. The 24-inch barrel leaves 4.5 inches of magazine tube exposed for extension mounting.