STEVENS 320
Posted May 26, 2023
The Stevens 320 is a powerful 12-gauge shotgun that is revered for its reliable shotguns that offer tremendous value and performance, particularly when it comes to hunting. The 320 is a pump-action shotgun with a 6-position adjustable stock from the Savage Stevens brand, and it has a host of interesting features and a barrel choked for more consistent shots.
The Stevens 320 comes equipped with both a fixed and a removable box magazine to complement its single-barrel design. It has some of the more advanced features of a modern shotgun, offering a superior platform for experienced or novice shooters alike.
The 320 is well-made and solidly built. Its black synthetic stock is lightweight yet durable, with a satin finish. The gun has a matte black coating on the receiver and barrel, and its bolt is blued for a sleek, finished look. Its barrel lengths range from 18" to 28", with 44" overall length and 7 lbs weight for the shorter barrel. Its metal finish is no-nonsense, in keeping with the gun's workmanlike feel.
The 320 has a dual slide action, which allows it to cycle 2¾" shells or 3" magnum shells with a single trigger squeeze. Its release trigger sounds kind of "mushy" but is still quite reliable and crisp. It's overall user-friendly, with a comfortable and ergonomic feel. With this shotgun, you can choose between several different chokes, including modified, improved cylinder, and full, depending on the type of bird hunted or the kind of target you’re shooting. The barrel is threaded to accept choke tubes, making it incredibly versatile for hunting, shooting trap, or skeet.
The 320 is also commendably accurate for a shotgun of its price point. The bore and chamber are rifled for a steady, unwavering pattern. The 5-round magazine can be easily removed and kept in a pocket. The cocking handle is also located in a sensible position, allowing the user to cycle the action quickly and efficiently. The shotgun also features a tang safety, located inside the trigger guard. Its barrel is also drilled and tapped to accept optional optics, such as a scope or a ghost ring sight.
Overall, the Stevens 320 is a quality shotgun designed to offer reliable performance and value. It's a pump gun for shooters of all abilities, offering features and accuracy that are simply not achievable with other shotguns in its price range. There are a couple of minor drawbacks, however, such as the "mushy" trigger, and the fact that the manual safety is a bit hard to reach with gloves on. Nevertheless, these are minor quibbles with an overall powerful and reliable shotgun.
At the end of the day, the Stevens 320 is a fantastic shotgun for its price point. It's an ideal weapon for young or inexperienced shooters, as well as for more experienced users. It's dependable and reliable, and its excellent features and accuracy promise to sweeten any hunting experience. If you’re looking for a dependable, quality shotgun that won’t break the bank, the Stevens 320 is definitely worth a look.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight: The Stevens 320 is lightweight and easy to carry and maneuver.
- Durable: The Stevens 320 is made of tough polymer, which provides strength and reliability.
- Affordable: The Stevens 320 is an affordable shotgun that fits into almost any budget.
- Versatility: The Stevens 320 can fire a variety of different types of shells, allowing for a range of different shooting and hunting activities.
Cons:
- Lack of Sights: The Stevens 320 doesn't come with sights, making it difficult to target at long range.
- Difficult to Clean: The Stevens 320's action is difficult to disassemble, making proper cleaning and maintenance more troublesome.
- Recoil: The Stevens 320 has a good deal of recoil, which can be uncomfortable for newer shooters or those with smaller frames.
Who Should Buy
Anyone that is looking for a budget-friendly firearm for hunting, target shooting, or home defense should consider purchasing a Stevens 320. However, those unfamiliar with firearms who are just looking for a stylish gun to add to their collection should not purchase a Stevens 320. The Stevens 320 is a functional gun, not a showpiece. Additionally, anyone with small hands might want to look for a gun with a smaller grip size or adjustable stock.
Comparisons
| Models | STEVENS 320 | Similar #1 | Similar #2 | Similar #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 12 Gauge | 12 Gauge | 12 Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Barrel Length | 18" | 21" | 20" | 22" |
| Capacity | 5+1 | 5+1 | 7+1 | 6+1 |
| Stock | Synthetic | Hardwood | Hardwood | Synthetic |
| Overall Length | 38" | 41" | 39" | 42" |
| Weight | 6.45lbs | 6.7lbs | 6.9lbs | 6.3lbs |
Features / Specs
•Gauge: 12
•Knox Form: Pistol Grip
•Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
•Barrel Length: 20"
•Choke: Fixed Cylinder
•Sights: Bead
•Stock: Synthetic or Hardwood
Popular Accessories
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- Stock and Recoil Pad: A durable, synthetic stock is a popular accessory for the STEVENS 320 shotgun due to its resistance to weather and rough handling. A recoil pad may be added to increase comfort and reduce the amount of felt recoil when shooting.
- Pistol Grip Stock and Forend: Many STEVENS 320 owners choose to replace the standard stock and forend with a pistol grip stock and forend for a more comfortable shooting experience. This type of stock has an integrated grip, making it easier to maneuver the shotgun when firing from a standing position.
- Sling and Swivel: A sling and swivel setup will allow you to carry your STEVENS 320 shotgun securely over your shoulder with ease. This will also allow you to quickly and easily deploy your shotgun, making it ideal for tactical situations.
- Sights and Scopes: Adding a scope or optical sight to your shotgun can greatly improve your accuracy. There are a variety of optics available that are designed specifically for shotguns, including red dot sights and rifle scopes.
- Chokes and Barrel Extensions: Many owners of the STEVENS 320 prefer to upgrade the stock choke with an aftermarket choke in order to gain even better accuracy and range performance. Additionally, barrel extensions can be purchased to extend the length of the barrel on the shotgun, allowing for a longer sight radius and improved accuracy.
Accuracy
The Stevens 320 is an affordable and reliable shotgun with great performance. The shotgun is known for offering consistent accuracy, even in states with intense hunting regulations. It offers a reliable 4+1 shot capacity, and is capable of firing 2-3/4 inch, 3-inch, and 3-1/2 inch magnum shells. Its overall accuracy can range depending on ammunition type, and is reported to as good as 1 inch groups at 20 yards with hunting loads. This makes it a great choice for hunting, home defense, and recreational shooting. The Stevens 320 is a renowned pump-action shotgun that is widely respected for its durability, dependability, and ease of maintenance.
