Wow, I read all 73 pages! I'm new here and found the forum while searching the M3000. A wealth of information in this thread.
I have been using an early model Rem1100 for 3 gun. I put a 22" Competition Master barrel on it. It functions 100% even with ultra cheap/light loads, but it's heavy and slow to load. I was planning to get an M2 until I saw a couple youtube vids about the Stoeger. Some guys at my local 3 gun have also been talking about it. I found a 24" at my LGS for $485, and I think I'm going to go for it.