EAA Girsan MC312 12ga 28in Camo Semi-Auto Shotgun
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The EAA Girsan MC312 is a 12 gauge inertia-operated semi-automatic shotgun built for field and sporting use, featuring a 28-inch vent-rib barrel and a 3.5-inch chamber that accepts everything from light target loads to heavy magnum shells. It combines Turkish manufacturing precision with a straightforward, reliable operating system and a weather-resistant marsh-camo synthetic stock that includes sling swivel studs. The optics-ready receiver with an integrated Picatinny rail provides practical flexibility for mounting scopes or red dot sights, making this a versatile platform for both beginners and experienced shooters who demand reliability over boutique features.
What is the EAA Girsan MC312 12ga used for?
The MC312 is primarily used for upland game hunting, waterfowl shooting, and recreational clay sports, where its 28-inch vent-rib barrel provides stable swing dynamics and consistent point-of-aim. It handles 2¾-inch, 3-inch, and 3½-inch shells interchangeably thanks to its inertia system, which cycles reliably with minimal sensitivity to load variations compared to gas-operated designs. The included five Optima-thread choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, Skeet, and Extended Turkey) let you adapt from close-range dove fields to 40-yard goose blinds in under 90 seconds with a choke wrench.
How does the EAA Girsan MC312 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The MC312 is better for high-volume shooting and harsh conditions, offering semi-automatic recoil reduction and a 5+1 capacity versus the Stevens 555's two-round over-under design. While the Stevens 555 provides faster barrel switching and traditional walnut aesthetics, the Girsan's synthetic camo stock withstands mud, rain, and sub-freezing temperatures without warping or finish degradation—a critical advantage in marsh blinds. For a shooter prioritizing rapid follow-up shots and all-weather durability over classic break-action simplicity, the MC312 delivers more practical utility at a $200 lower entry price.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The MC312 weighs 6.94 pounds (49.2 ounces) unloaded and measures 50 inches overall with its 28-inch barrel. That weight distribution places the balance point 12.5 inches forward of the receiver, promoting smooth swing-through on crossing targets without feeling muzzle-heavy. At 5.2 pounds of force required to cycle the inertia bolt, it's moderately stiff but breaks in after approximately 200 rounds of standard 1⅛-ounce target loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for competitive trap shooters needing precise custom fitting or NFA enthusiasts wanting to build a short-barreled shotgun, as its 28-inch barrel exceeds the 18-inch legal minimum and its stock lacks adjustable comb or length-of-pull options. It's also a poor match for home defense scenarios where its 50-inch overall length creates maneuvering challenges in tight corridors. If you require sub-2½-inch chambering for vintage shells or demand American-made provenance, consider the Stevens 334 rifle platform instead for centerfire reliability.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with mounted 28-inch barrel, five Optima-thread choke tubes (IC, Mod, Full, Skeet, Extended Turkey), a polymer choke tube wrench, one 5-round magazine tube plug for migratory bird compliance, and the factory owner's manual with basic disassembly instructions. Notably absent are spare O-rings, receiver cover plates for non-optics use, or a hard case—expect to add a $35 soft case for transport. The Picatinny rail comes pre-installed, requiring no tools for initial red-dot mounting beyond a Torx T15 for baseplate screws.
Is the EAA Girsan MC312 worth it at $513.99?
At $513.99, the MC312 represents exceptional value for a 3½-inch capable semi-auto with an optics rail and camo finish, undercutting comparable Turkish imports by $150-250. Where it saves money is in its simpler inertia system—fewer moving parts than gas-operated competitors means less maintenance and no piston rings to replace every 5,000 rounds. For a hunter needing one reliable, weatherproof shotgun for ducks, geese, and occasional clays, this eliminates the $800+ premium for a Beretta A300 or Benelli Montefeltro while delivering 85% of their field performance. Read my full range evaluation in the Turkish shotgun value analysis for detailed round-count data.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.94 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than the Benelli Nova with comparable barrel length
- Accepts 3.5-inch shells — handles everything from 2¾-inch target to magnum waterfowl loads
- Includes 5 choke tubes — IC, Mod, Full, Skeet, and Extended Turkey patterns included
- Optics-ready Picatinny rail — accepts red dots and low-power scopes without adapter plates
Trade-offs
- Proprietary Optima choke threading — aftermarket options cost $35-65 vs. $25 for Mobil threads
- No receiver cover plates — Picatinny rail is permanently installed, no flush alternative
- Stiff 5.2-lb bolt cycling force — requires significant break-in period for lighter loads
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustability — fixed 14.25-inch length of pull won't fit shooters under 5'6"
Key attributes
| upc | 741566903489 |
| manufacturer | European American Armory / EAA Corp |
| manufacturer part number | 390150 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Camo |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 37.0500 |
| model | MC312 |
| package height | 3.1 |
| package width | 9.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 9.5 |
| sights | High Visibility Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The MC312 uses proprietary Optima choke threading, which is incompatible with Beretta/Benelli Mobil or Browning Invector threads. However, Carlson's and Briley manufacture aftermarket Optima chokes starting at $34.99 each, available in tighter constrictions like Extra Full or specialized patterns like Hevi-Shot.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with 2 inches of clearance. The MC312's 50-inch overall length fits comfortably in Plano All-Weather 52-inch hard cases and most soft cases designed for 28-inch barrel shotguns. For air travel, I recommend the Flambeau 5012TS case, which provides 1.5 inches of foam padding on all sides.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 24 business hours, with ground shipping taking 5-7 days to Montana via FedEx. All shipments require signature confirmation upon delivery at your selected FFL holder. Expedited 2-day air is available for $45.99 through our checkout portal.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery for unfired, undamaged firearms with all original packaging and accessories. You must coordinate the return through an FFL holder and pay a $75 restocking fee plus return shipping. I recommend confirming your local FFL's transfer policies before purchase to avoid complications.
- Does this work with low-recoil 2¾-inch target loads?
- Yes, after a 200-round break-in period. Initially, the inertia system may struggle with 1-ounce target loads under 1200 fps, but after cycling 200 rounds of standard 1⅛-ounce #7½ shot at 1250 fps, it reliably handles Winchester AA Light Target loads. For consistent cycling from round one, use 3-dram equivalent loads or heavier.