Definition
The Stoeger Condor is a break‑action, side‑by‑side double‑barrel shotgun manufactured by Stoeger Industries for the civilian sporting and hunting market.
Overview
Introduced in the early 2000s, the Stoeger Condor is positioned as an entry‑level shotgun intended for beginners and recreational shooters. It is offered primarily in 12‑gauge, with additional 20‑gauge and 28‑gauge variants produced in limited runs. The shotgun features a traditional wooden stock and fore‑end, a simple two‑trigger mechanism, and fixed chokes (typically improved cylinder). Its modest weight and manageable recoil make it suitable for clay‑target sports, small‑game hunting, and home‑range use. Production of the Condor has been carried out by the Brazilian firearms manufacturer E.R. Amantino under contract for Stoeger, and the model remains available through major sporting‑goods retailers in North America.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Stoeger” derives from the Stoeger Industries brand, an American subsidiary of the Portuguese firearms group L&O Holdings. “Condor” follows the company’s convention of naming shotguns after large birds of prey, suggesting power and reliability; however, no official statement clarifies the precise reasoning behind the choice of this particular bird name.
Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Action | Break‑action, side‑by‑side double‑barrel |
| Caliber | 12 gauge (standard); 20 gauge and 28 gauge variants |
| Barrel Length | Typically 28 in. (710 mm); optional 26‑in. versions |
| Chamber Size | 2.75 in. (70 mm) chambers |
| Chokes | Fixed improved‑cylinder (I‑C) choke; some models offered interchangeable choke tubes |
| Stock | Walnut (or synthetic in select limited models) with a simple, low‑profile fore‑end |
| Triggers | Double‑trigger system allowing selection of left or right barrel |
| Safety | Thumb‑operated safety lever located on the tang |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 lb (2.95 kg) for the 12‑gauge version |
| Finish | Blued metal with a matte walnut stock finish |
| Manufacture | Produced by E.R. Amantino (Brazil) for Stoeger Industries (U.S.) |
The Condor’s design emphasizes durability and ease of maintenance, featuring a basic steel receiver, a simple screw‑in barrel attachment, and a straightforward safety mechanism. It does not incorporate advanced ergonomics such as vented recoil pads or interchangeable grip panels, aligning with its intended role as a budget‑friendly option.
Related Topics
- Stoeger Industries – The U.S. distributor and marketer of the Condor and other firearms.
- Double‑barrel shotgun – A class of shotguns with two parallel barrels, either side‑by‑side or over‑under.
- Side‑by‑side shotgun – The specific configuration used by the Condor, characterized by horizontally aligned barrels.
- Stoeger Coach Gun – Another side‑by‑side shotgun model from Stoeger, designed for close‑quarters use.
- E.R. Amantino – Brazilian firearms manufacturer that produces the Condor under contract.
- Improved‑cylinder choke – A common fixed choke type used on many entry‑level shotguns, including the Condor.
This entry reflects information available from manufacturer specifications, product catalogs, and reputable firearms reference sources.