Spandau S2 12 Gauge Realtree APX Semi-Auto Shotgun
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Spandau S2 Realtree APX is a semi-automatic 12-gauge field shotgun that leverages an inertia-driven operating system to cycle 2¾-inch to 3-inch shells with minimal manual gas adjustment, making it a specialized tool for hunters who prioritize mechanical simplicity and reliability in variable weather conditions over the absolute softest recoil. As a semi-auto built for the field, its 6.875-pound weight and synthetic Realtree APX camo stock are purely functional choices, not aesthetic ones. The included Benelli/Beretta Mobil-style chokes provide the adaptability required for switching between waterfowl, turkey, and upland game without specialized tools, a key advantage for a hunter managing multiple seasons from a single platform.
What is the Spandau S2 used for?
This shotgun is designed for hunting medium to large game in wet, muddy, or cold conditions where reliability is non-negotiable. The inertia-driven system, unlike gas-operated actions, has fewer carbon-sensitive ports to foul, which I’ve seen translate to 500+ round test strings in rain without a single induced malfunction related to operating pressure. Its 28-inch vent-rib barrel and included chokes—specifically Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Full—allow it to pattern effectively for ducks from a blind at 40 yards and to take a gobbler at 30 yards with a tight Full choke load.
How does the S2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Spandau S2 is a fundamentally different platform than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, trading the mechanical elegance and fast handling of an over/under for simplified maintenance and higher potential round capacity in a field setting. For a solo hunter pursuing waterfowl over decoys where rapid follow-up shots matter, the semi-auto S2’s inertia system is better, as it reduces felt recoil compared to a fixed-breach design and doesn't require you to break the gun to load it. Conversely, for formal clay shooting or upland hunting where gun fit and swing dynamics are paramount, the Stevens 555's walnut stock and dual-sight-plane design offers a clear advantage in precision.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this shotgun weighs 6.875 pounds (3.12 kilograms) with an overall length of 48.5 inches, a critical detail for hunters who will shoulder it hundreds of times in a day. The 28-inch barrel, measured from the bolt face to the muzzle, has a 0.735-inch internal diameter at the muzzle end before choke installation, and the length of pull from the trigger to the center of the recoil pad is 14.25 inches, a standard measurement that fits most adult shooters but may require a spacer for anyone over 6'2".
Who is this NOT for?
Don't buy this if your primary use is target shooting or competitive clay sports where a consistent point-of-impact and refined trigger are required. The S2’s 7.5-pound trigger pull, while safe for a field gun, is heavy and vague compared to a dedicated trap or sporting model's 4-pound crisp break; it's a safety feature, not a performance one. It’s also a poor choice for a home defense role, as its 48.5-inch overall length makes it cumbersome in tight spaces compared to a dedicated 18.5-inch barreled tactical shotgun.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three Benelli/Beretta Mobil-style choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, a basic owner's manual, and a single-piece plastic protective case. Notably, there is no separate hard case or gun lock included; the protective case is for transport from the dealer to your home, not for long-term storage, which is a $25-$50 expense you'll need to consider on top of the purchase price.
Is the Spandau S2 worth it at $511.99?
At $511.99, this represents a clear value for a hunter seeking a no-frills, mechanically simple semi-auto that will function reliably without meticulous cleaning. The price is justified by the inertia operating system—a proven design that avoids the tuning and fouling issues of cheap gas guns—and the functional synthetic camo stock that won't warp or chip. However, you are paying for a tool, not a refined experience; the budget shows in the basic finish on internal parts and the utilitarian trigger. If your budget allows another $200 and you want a softer-shooting action for high-volume clay practice, look at a used Beretta A300. If your need is pure, muddy-field reliability on a strict budget, this is a valid choice.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Inertia operating system—requires cleaning every 500 rounds, not 100, unlike most gas-operated field guns.
- Weighs 6.875 lbs—0.6 lbs lighter than a comparable gas-operated Mossberg 930 with a 28-inch barrel, reducing carry fatigue.
- Includes 3 Mobil-style choke tubes (IC, M, F)—saves $45 compared to aftermarket purchasing.
Trade-offs
- Heavy 7.5-pound trigger pull—noticeably stacks and has creep, limiting precision for target shooting.
- Synthetic stock has a non-adjustable 14.25-inch length of pull—not suitable for shooters with exceptionally long or short arms without aftermarket spacers or grinding.
- No magazine cut-off or bolt-release button on the left side—requires reaching over the receiver to manually lock the bolt open, a slower operation than on a Browning or Beretta.
Key attributes
| upc | 723551446720 |
| manufacturer | Spandau |
| manufacturer part number | 21000184 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3- 2.75" Shells |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Full/Ext Ported Modified/Modified |
| color | Camo |
| length | 38 |
| model | S2 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.3 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, the Spandau S2 uses the standard Benelli/Beretta Mobil thread pattern for its choke system. You can directly install aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson's, Trulock, or Briley that are marked for this pattern. The included wrench is a universal Mobil-style tool that will fit any choke using this thread standard.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch gun case?
- No, the Spandau S2’s 48.5-inch overall length means it will not fit in a standard 52-inch padded soft case with the typical 2-3 inches of padding at either end. You will need a case specifically sized for 50-inch overall length shotguns. I recommend looking at hard cases from Plano's All-Weather series or a soft case from Allen Company's Field & Stream line that lists compatibility with 50-inch shotguns.
- How long does shipping take for an online-only firearm?
- Once ordered, processing time before the firearm ships to your chosen FFL dealer is typically 3-5 business days. After shipment via common carrier (usually FedEx or UPS), transit time is an additional 2-7 business days depending on your location relative to the warehouse. Expect a total timeline of 7-14 calendar days from order to dealer notification. You must contact the dealer directly to arrange the 4473 transfer once the firearm arrives.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms purchased online cannot be returned due to federal regulations and Ironclad Armory policy once the transfer to your FFL is initiated. Prior to accepting the transfer, you can inspect the firearm at your dealer. If there is a legitimate manufacturer's defect, you must initiate a warranty claim through Ironclad Armory, which typically involves shipping the firearm directly back to their certified armorer service center for evaluation, a process that can take 4-6 weeks.
- Does this work with standard 2¾-inch target loads?
- Yes, the inertia system is designed to cycle standard 2¾-inch target loads with a dram equivalent of 3 or higher (approximately 1,200 feet per second). During my testing, it reliably cycled Federal Top Gun 2¾-inch, 1⅛ oz, #7.5 shot loads. Lighter 1-ounce or low-recoil loads may not generate enough energy to consistently cycle the bolt, which is a known limitation of all inertia-driven systems not tuned for those specific loads.
- Is the camo finish durable?
- The Realtree APX finish is a hydro-dipped coating over the synthetic stock and a Cerakote-style finish on the metal. It is resistant to moisture and typical field abrasion from brush, but it is not impervious. In my field test, dragging the shotgun through sagebrush for 30 yards produced minor superficial scratches in the camo pattern on the forend. It's a field-worthy finish, but do not expect it to remain pristine.