UTG M3 Shotgun Review

A year and a half ago, I was browsing Airsoft GI's website and came across the UTG M3 Multi-Shot Spring Shotgun. This gun uses three independent barrels to fire three rounds with each trigger pull. Most spring shotguns on the market fire only one shot for each trigger pull, essentially making them a rifle that looks like a shotgun, rather than a shotgun designed as a shotgun. After reading through the description and comparing a few other models, I decided to go ahead and buy one. I decided on the pistol grip style (the one in the link above) rather than the full stock style. It was a purchase I would not regret. Combining Airsoft GI's free shipping on orders over $150 (Christmas special, and I had a few other items in my order, but that's for another post) and a free T-shirt with the order, I was happy to be getting a good deal. Since that order, I have learned that Airsoft GI is known for quality service and great prices.


When my order arrived, I was very impressed with the weight and quality of the shotgun right out of the box. The pistol grip and fore grip were a comfortable non-slip plastic, and gave the gun a dual-tone appearance, which is a bit more realistic than most all-black spring guns. Despite being plastic, it felt heavy and solid, having no rattle or wobble in any of the moving parts. My only concern was that it only came with one shotgun shell style magazine(loaded much like a real shotgun shell, making it very realistic), but luckily I thought ahead and added a six pack of them to my order (decently priced, and coming in 3 different colors). Each magazine hold 30 rounds, which may seem like a lot, until you factor in the three barrels that fire simultaneously when the trigger is pulled, thus each shell only gives the user 10 shots. With the additional magazines, a player can fire 70 shots (210 rounds) before having to reload any shells.


I set up some targets in my backyard to test out the range and grouping of the shotgun. At approximately 15 yards, the distance of my yard, I was able to consistently knock down a soda can with each shot. The shot grouping was much tighter than expected, making this gun ideal for both close and medium range. At 15 yards, the grouping was approximately one to one and half feet in diameter on average, which, combined with the accuracy, would make this gun a decent primary weapon or a back up to an AEG. As it is a spring gun, it would work great for 'pick up' games when batteries might not be charged, and it will outlast an AEG in an all day game.

Pros:
Decent Weight (not too heavy, but not cheap plastic)
Magazine Style (adds realism)
Sling Mounts (Front mount can we switched to three different positions: right, left, and center)
Three Barrels (good for close or medium range)
White Sights for easy target acquisition
Funtional Safety
Pump action - Does not need batteries
Can only be cocked once (can't accidentally double feed the chamber)

Cons:
Magazine Capacity (Realistic, but not very practical. Easily remedied by carrying more shells)

Overall: Great quality gun, good both as a back up and a primary. Strongly Recommended for New and Experience Players.
Retails for $60.00 on Airsoft GI (Ships from California), also available for $59.99 at Shorty USA (a Delaware Based Distributor). Shells are available in six packs for $14.00 on Airsoft GI and $14.99 on Shorty USA. They are highly recommended.