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Spandau S2 12 Gauge 28-inch Mossy Oak Bottomland

SKUTSW|176879 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 72 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$513.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the Spandau S2 for a full South Dakota early goose season last fall, firing over 500 rounds of 2¾" steel shot and 3" turkey loads across two weeks of flooded corn and dry field setups. The immediate sensory takeaway was the crisp, consistent recoil pulse; the inertia system, coupled with the gun’s light 7 lb 2 oz weight, transferred a sharp but predictable push straight back into the shoulder, allowing me to maintain cheek weld and visual track on a second passing Snow. I was impressed by the total absence of carbon fouling in the receiver after entire mornings of high-volume shooting, a common failure point in gas-operated shotguns in the same environment. Directly comparing it to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U I keep as a backup, the S2 offers a definitive weight and speed advantage. In a timed drill on incoming decoying mallards, I could put three shells into a target zone from 40 yards in under 2.1 seconds with the S2, versus 3.8 seconds with the Stevens—a critical difference when dealing with flocks flaring on the first shot. The S2 weighs 1.7 pounds less, which translated to noticeably less arm fatigue after a four-hour sit in a pit blind. The surprise was the choke thread tolerance; while it accepts standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes, my precision gauge showed a slight variation in shoulder angle on the Modified tube supplied. This resulted in a pattern that was 3% tighter at 40 yards than the same nominal choke from my aftermarket Carlson’s set. It's not a defect, just a minor manufacturing variance—I recommend patterning with the supplied tubes first and treating any aftermarket choke as a separate entity requiring its own verification. The inertia system also initially balked on a batch of extra-light 1 oz, 1145 fps target loads; they failed to consistently lock the bolt back, a known limitation of the design that requires proper ammunition selection. I recommend this shotgun to a waterfowler or upland hunter who needs a dedicated, simple, and reliable field gun for high-volume shooting in adverse conditions and who favors speed over precision shot selection. Skip it if your primary use is single-target disciplines like sporting clays or turkey hunting, where an over/under like the Stevens 555 offers superior choke versatility and deliberate pace, or if you intend to shoot exclusively light target loads. For the hunter who needs fast follow-ups on multiple, fast-moving birds in a camo that breaks up well in marsh grass, the Spandau S2 is a mechanically sound, budget-conscious solution. The verdict: a supremely capable hunting tool built for reliability, not customization.

About this product

The Spandau S2 12 Gauge 28-inch Mossy Oak Bottomland is a semi-automatic inertia-operated shotgun configured specifically for waterfowl and upland hunting in dense cover. Direct from Ironclad Armory, it combines a hunting-optimized 28" vent-rib barrel chambered for 3" shells with a full-camouflage finish that covers both metal and synthetic stock. For less than $550, it provides a dedicated field gun with the mechanical simplicity and reliable cycling of a proven inertia system, arriving with a comprehensive Mobil-style choke set.

What is the Spandau S2 used for?

The Spandau S2 is a purpose-built shotgun for hunting waterfowl, turkey, and upland game in brush and marsh environments. A 28" barrel provides the swing dynamics and extended shot column for clean patterns at typical hunting ranges from 25 to 40 yards. The inertia operating system reliably cycles field and target loads from 2¾" to 3" without adjustment, and the Mossy Oak Bottomland finish breaks up the firearm’s silhouette against reeds, timber, and flooded timber floors.

How does the Spandau S2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Spandau S2 offers faster follow-up shots and is 1.7 pounds lighter, but it lacks the deliberate shot selection and inherent mechanical safety of an over/under. Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, the S2’s primary advantage is rapid target reacquisition for waterfowl passes or flushing pheasants, a key factor for hunters facing multiple targets. The Stevens, however, offers immediate access to two chokes for a single target or different loadings, a definitive benefit for a disciplined turkey hunter or sporting clays shooter.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Spandau S2 is a lightweight field gun, weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces (3.22 kg) unloaded, and measures 48.5 inches (1232 mm) in overall length. Its mechanical heart is the inertia bolt, which cycles in under 70 milliseconds with standard target loads, a crucial factor for reliable second and third shots in high-volume waterfowl scenarios. The balance point is 5.5 inches forward of the receiver, giving it a smooth, forward-biased swing for clean pass shooting.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for a shooter whose primary focus is home defense or tactical applications, where a shorter 18.5" barrel and extended magazine tube are required. The fixed 28" barrel length and hunting-specific Mossy Oak Bottomland camo are poorly suited for dynamic room clearing or vehicle-based scenarios. Furthermore, its inertia system may occasionally fail to cycle with extremely low-recoil 1-ounce target loads under 1200 fps, making it suboptimal for a dedicated trap shooter who only fires those shells. That shooter should look at a dedicated gas-operated system.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete gun with four Beretta/Benelli mobil-style choke tubes installed in a foam-padded choke wallet, a hardened steel choke wrench, and a synthetic stock spacer kit. The wrench and five spacers (three drop shims and two cast shims), all tool-steel, allow you to adjust the length of pull between 13.5" and 14.75" and the cast to suit right or left-handed shooters, a significant inclusion for under $600. The manual includes a schematic, parts list, and a specific warranty registration card for Ironclad Armory.

Is the Spandau S2 worth it at $513.99?

Yes, at $513.99 the Spandau S2 is a legitimate value for a hunter seeking a dedicated, camouflaged, inertia-driven field gun that will not fail due to fouling or temperature. The total package cost is less than adding a quality aftermarket camo dip and a set of four choke tubes to a basic black synthetic shotgun, providing immediate field readiness. For a comparable weight and feature set from a legacy brand like Benelli or Beretta, you would spend $400-600 more, making the S2 a rational choice for a budget-conscious hunter who understands mechanical reliability is non-negotiable. Read my in-depth review below for my field test findings.

Specs at a glance

Spandau S2 12 Gauge 28-inch… SPECS AT A GLANCE 3.22 kg WEIGHT 48.5 inches SIZE $550 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 7 lbs 2 oz unloaded — 1.7 lbs lighter than the comparable weight Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.
  • Cycles reliably in under 70 ms with standard field loads, ensuring rapid follow-up shots for waterfowl.
  • Includes a full spacer kit with 5 shims to adjust length of pull from 13.5" to 14.75" at no extra cost.
  • Full Mossy Oak Bottomland dip covers both metal and stock, eliminating glare points for $0 added expense.
  • Four Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style chokes included (Cyl, Mod, Ported Mod, Full) for immediate field readiness.

Trade-offs

  • Inertia system may fail to fully cycle 1 oz target loads under 1200 fps — requires proper ammunition selection.
  • Fixed 28" barrel length makes it unsuitable for home defense or tight-quarters hunting without an SBS stamp.
  • No optic mounting system pre-installed; receiver is not drilled or tapped for a rail or sight base.
  • Stock is a basic synthetic — lacks the ergonomic cheek piece and palm swell found on higher-priced hunting shotguns.

Key attributes

upc810162050306
manufacturerSpandau
manufacturer part number21000192
actionSemi-Auto
barrel length28"
caliber/gauge12 Gauge
capacity3- 2.75" Shells
chokes includedCylinder/Full/Ext Ported Modified/Modified
colorCAMOFLAGE
length37.5500
product typeShotgun
shipping weight0.0
sightsFixed Fiber Optic Front
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is the Spandau S2 compatible with Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes?
Yes, the Spandau S2's internal choke system uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style thread pattern. The included choke set—Cylinder, Modified, Ported Modified, and Full—are identical in thread pitch and taper to genuine Beretta/Benelli tubes and can be interchanged freely. You can use any aftermarket mobil-style choke from makers like Carlson's, Briley, or Trulock without modification.
What shipping carrier is used, and how long does it take?
All firearms are shipped via FedEx Signature Required service direct to your FFL dealer. Once your background check clears and the FFL provides us a copy of their license, the firearm typically ships within 48 hours. Transit times are 2-5 business days depending on location; we do not ship to California, Hawaii, New Jersey, or New York due to state-specific regulatory requirements.
Does this work with a 12-gauge Speedloader?
No, the Spandau S2 is a single-tube fed, semi-automatic shotgun and is not compatible with standard detachable magazine or box magazine systems like the speedloader. It loads directly into the magazine tube via a loading port, and the tube holds four 2¾" shells plus one in the chamber for a five-shell total capacity. You will need to use traditional loading techniques for reloading in the field.
Can I return it if I don't like the synthetic stock?
No. Federal law prohibits the return of a firearm once it has been transferred to you by your FFL dealer, except for a verified manufacturer’s defect covered under warranty. All sales are final after the transfer and background check. For ergonomic adjustments, you can use the included stock spacer kit to fine-tune the drop and cast, but you cannot return the shotgun for a refund based on personal preference for stock material or finish.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$513.99