Spandau S2 12 Gauge 21 in. TrueTimber Strata w/ Bone Collector Choke
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes a $65 Carlson Bone Collector choke tube pre-installed — ready to pattern.
- Weighs 9.2 lbs — 1.8 lbs heavier than many 20-gauge turkey guns, significantly damping magnum recoil.
- 21-inch barrel provides a 7.5-inch shorter overall profile than standard 28-inch field guns for blind use.
- Drilled and tapped receiver accommodates red-dot mounts without aftermarket gunsmithing.
Trade-offs
- Inertia action requires specific technique — fails to cycle with light target loads if not mounted firmly.
- Fixed .665 turkey choke limits versatility — cannot swap to open chokes for upland or clays without purchasing separate tubes.
- No sling or swivels included — adds $40 minimum for quality QD hardware and a padded strap.
- Hydro-dip camo finish shows wear quickly on receiver edges and the forend's contact points.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Spandau S2 12 Gauge 21 in. TrueTimber Strata w/ Bone Collector Choke is a purpose-built, inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun configured specifically for turkey and waterfowl hunters. This firearm arrives ready for the field with its specialized choke and full-coverage camouflage, eliminating the immediate need for aftermarket pattern matching or extra choke tube purchases. At 9.2 lbs, it's a substantial platform designed to handle heavy 3-inch and 3.5-inch magnum loads without excessive recoil impulse transfer to the shooter.
What is the Spandau S2 used for?
This shotgun is designed for hunting turkey and waterfowl from a blind or while still-hunting. Its 21-inch barrel and TrueTimber Strata camo prioritize mobility and concealment in dense brush or marsh environments, where shot opportunities appear suddenly at ranges under 40 yards. The included Carlson Bone Collector choke patterns specifically for dense loads of #4, #5, and #6 turkey shot, making this a dedicated tool rather than a general-purpose field gun.
How does the Spandau S2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Spandau S2 offers faster follow-up shots than the break-action Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge due to its semi-automatic inertia system. While the Stevens 555 has superior balance for wing shooting with its 30-inch barrels, the Spandau S2's shorter 21-inch profile and 9.2 lb weight make it markedly more maneuverable in tight timber or a cramped blind, though at the cost of a longer, smoother swing on crossing birds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Spandau S2 has an overall length of 41.5 inches with a 21-inch barrel and weighs 9.2 lbs unloaded. This weight, distributed primarily in the receiver and barrel, provides significant mass to dampen the recoil of 3.5-inch magnum turkey loads, which can generate over 35 ft-lbs of felt recoil. The 21-inch barrel is ribbed with a 3/16-inch-wide flat-top for consistent sighting and includes both a fiber optic front and a traditional brass mid-bead.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a shotgun for a first-time shooter, a dedicated clays competitor, or someone seeking a lightweight all-around field gun. The inertia system requires a firm mount and proper shooting form to cycle lighter target loads reliably, and the fixed turkey-focused choke limits its versatility for upland birds or sporting clays where open chokes are preferred. For a more balanced, multi-role shotgun, consider a field model with interchangeable chokes like the the Stevens 334 Rifle.
What's in the box?
The package includes the Spandau S2 shotgun, one Carlson Bone Collector .665 constriction turkey choke tube pre-installed, three action spring shims for tuning recoil sensitivity, a set of Torx wrenches for disassembly, and an owner's manual with detailed inertia system maintenance instructions. Notably, it does NOT include a sling, swivels, or a hard case—expect to add another $60-$120 for those essential field accessories.
Is the Spandau S2 worth it at $607.99?
At $607.99, this shotgun delivers immediate field readiness for the dedicated turkey hunter. When you factor in the cost of a quality aftermarket choke tube ($45-$80) and a professional camo dip job ($150-$300), this package represents a value. However, if your hunting involves multiple game types or requires frequent choke changes, a more versatile pump-action or semi-auto with an interchangeable choke system, though potentially $100-$200 more, may be a better long-term investment.
Key attributes
| upc | 810162051723 |
| manufacturer | Spandau |
| manufacturer part number | 21000200 |
| barrel length | 21" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| chokes included | Carlon's Bone Collector Turkey |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | Fixed Fiber Optic Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, the Spandau S2 uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads. The included Carlson Bone Collector tube is a .665 constriction, but you can install any Mobil-pattern tube from brands like Carlson's, Patternmaster, or Trulock. Always verify thread compatibility with the manufacturer before purchase.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- No, it will not. With an overall length of 41.5 inches, you need a case with at least 43 inches of internal length to accommodate the muzzle without compression. I recommend a Plano All Weather 42-inch case or similar, which provides 42.5 inches of usable space.
- Can I use 2.75-inch target loads?
- Yes, but reliability is not guaranteed. The inertia system is tuned for 3-inch magnum hunting loads. For consistent cycling with light 1-1/8 oz target loads, you must use the lightest action spring shim provided, maintain a firm shoulder mount, and often use ammunition with a minimum velocity of 1200 fps.
- Does the receiver come with scope mount screws?
- No, it does not. While the receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard #8-40 thread pattern, you must source the appropriate length mounting screws (typically 0.75-inch to 1-inch) separately from your optic mount manufacturer. Most Picatinny rail kits include these screws.
- Is the TrueTimber Strata finish durable?
- It is a hydro-dipped finish over a phosphate metal treatment, not a baked-on ceramic or hard anodizing. It provides excellent visual concealment but will show holster wear and scratches from brush contact more readily than a hard-coat finish. Expect noticeable wear on the receiver's high points after one full season of use.