I have a Stoeger M3500 and love it. I can't recall any issues with anything I put through it. Bargain for sure. I also have a Tristar OU 12 gauge courtesy of Ducks Unlimited a couple years ago. I dont think I would have bought one on my own but its killed many pheasant and sporting clays without issue! I'm a little spoiled now by my Silver Pigeon 12 and 28ga Franchi Instinct so it doesn't get much work any more though...
When I first got it I ran a variety of 2 3/4 up to 3 1/2. I've not run anything light in it since and that was 6 or 8 years ago. I don't recall any issues. It's what I use for waterfowl, so it's usually fed high brass 3 or 3 1/2" stuff.
I would be willing to bet that if you ask anyone out there that spent the extra cash on a gun if they regret it, you will find very few that will say that they do.
I looked at both Stoeger and Yildiz a couple of years ago when I was looking for a modest-priced O/U. I ended up going with Yildiz (available only at Academy Sports) due to what I considered a better fit and feel. The wood on the Yildiz was better, and it was quite a bit lighter. I ended up buying a 20 gauge and liked it so much that I bought a matching 12 the next year. I have shot them both quite a bit on both game and sporting clays, and they have performed well.
A Stoeger will get the job done. Have had no problems with mine. Remember even the high dollar gun companies have a service department for a reason. Also ask yourself, how many guys do you know, that will actually admit they overspent on any firearm? "You're right honey, I spent too much money for that and should have bought the cheaper one." Yeah right!
After a lot of reading and debating I decided against the stoeger. Read about some people having extraction problems with low brass. Today I drove to kygun and picked up a Weatherby Element. Not got to put any rounds through it yet but it feels good in the hand, and got it for under 600.
I have a 12ga. Over/under, it shoots good and very reliable. It’s killed plenty of clay pigeons and also a few rabbits.