STEVENS 320 SECURITY
Posted May 19, 2023
The STEVENS 320 Security Pump-Action Shotgun is an iconic and ubiquitous shotgun that has been a staple for home defense for over 25 years. Many gun-owners cite its affordability, ergonomics and reliability as reasons for their continued use and preference of this shotgun. In this review, I will explore the STEVENS 320, looking at the history of the gun, its design features, and its performance in the field.
Background
The STEVENS 320 is a pump-action shotgun produced by the Savage Arms Company, which has a long-standing reputation for producing quality firearms. This gun was first released in 1989, and was marketed as an affordable yet reliable shotgun designed for home defense. It has since been used by police forces, hunters, and even some military units. The gun is available in several gauges and barrel lengths, providing users with plenty of options when it comes to choosing the right size and power for their needs. Many people choose the 18.5 inch barrel length, as it the most compact and easy to maneuver.
Design Features
The STEVENS 320’s design is based on the classic pump-action design of shotguns, which utilizes a small reciprocating action in order to chamber and eject shells. This particular design is known for its ease of use, smooth operation, and reliability. The gun is made of high-grade steel and has several features that make it particularly well-suited for home defense. First, the stock is made of synthetic material, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver. Second, the gun is designed with an oversized trigger guard, which makes it easy to access and helps prevent accidental discharge. Finally, the gun is equipped with a wide front sight and a fiber optic rear sight, making it easier to acquire and hit targets.
Performance
The STEVENS 320 is known for its excellent performance in the field. This shotgun is designed mainly for home defense and close-range shooting, and it excels in both applications. The gun is comfortable to shoot and is capable of firing multiple rounds in quick succession without losing accuracy or precision. The gun’s pump-action design is fast and smooth, which makes it easy to reload and chamber a fresh round quickly. Additionally, the large trigger guard makes it easy to access the trigger without accidentally discharging the gun.
In terms of recoil, the STEVENS 320 is surprisingly manageable. The gun is equipped with a soft rubber butt-pad, which helps absorb some of the recoil and makes the gun more comfortable to shoot. Additionally, the gun's weight also helps absorb some of the recoil energy. Overall, the recoil of the STEVENS 320 is much more manageable than most shotguns of the same caliber.
The STEVENS 320 is also capable of firing a variety of ammunition. You can fire 12-gauge slugs, buckshot, birdshot, and even low-recoil target loads. This makes it a versatile and reliable gun for hunting and target shooting, as well as home defense.
Conclusion
The STEVENS 320 is undoubtedly a great firearm. It is reliable, accurate, and easy to maneuver. It is also surprisingly lightweight and comfortable to shoot, and can be used for a variety of applications. Whether you are looking for a dependable firearm for home defense, target shooting, or hunting, the STEVENS 320 is an excellent choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-The Stevens 320 Security shotgun is affordably-priced and reliable.
-It is easy to operate with no complicated features or functions.
-The Stevens 320 Security offers a variety of features such as a short barrel, lightweight design, and adjustable stock.
-The safety mechanisms are strong and effective, reducing the risk of accidental discharge.
-This shotgun is great for home defense.
Cons:
-The heavier recoil of the Stevens 320 Security may be too much for smaller or inexperienced shooters.
-The shorter barrel reduces the accuracy of the shotgun at longer distances.
-The Stevens 320 Security is not the best choice for hunting as it is not as powerful or accurate at longer distances.
-The stock configuration does not lend itself to comfortable shooting, particularly for those with larger hands.
Who Should Buy
The STEVENS 320 Security pump-action shotgun is designed for those who need a reliable and powerful shotgun for home defense or other similar purposes. It is perfectly suited for those who might be looking for a shotgun that is easy to operate and use without any fuss or confusion. It is also great for beginner and experienced shooters alike, since it is comparatively simple to use and maneuver. Those looking to use this gun for a more limited purpose, such as sporting or hunting, should avoid this item. It is simply designed for home defense purposes and may not be the best choice for these activities.
Comparisons
| Product | Weight | Gauge | Capacity | Barrel Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEVENS 320 SECURITY | 6.75 lbs | 12 GA | 5 Rounds | 18.5" |
| Remington 870 | 7.25 lbs | 12 GA | 4 Rounds | 20" |
| Mossberg 500 | 7.5 lbs | 12 GA | 5 Rounds | 18.5" |
| Marlin Caliber | 7.5 lbs | 12 GA | 4 Rounds | 18.5" |
| Winchester SXP | 6.81 lbs | 12 GA | 5 Rounds | 18" |
Features / Specs
•Comes with a choice of 4 or 5-shell magazine tubes
•Available in pump action or tactical variants
•Barrel length: 28" (pump action) or 18.5" (tactical)
•Matte black finish
•Fixed cylinder bore choke
•Synthetic stock and fore-end
•Ambidextrous design
•Swivel studs for sling attachment
Popular Accessories
- Pistol Grip Stock
- Heat Shield
- Tactical Flashlight/ Laser
- Tactical Fore Grip
- Sling
- Scope
- Angled Fore Grip
- Holographic Sight
- Flash Light/Laser Mount
- Magazine Extension Tube
Accuracy
The Stevens 320 Security is a robust and reliable shotgun, noted for its accuracy and performance. The gun features adjustable rear and front sights, and its smooth and consistent pump-action slide make the 320 Security a good choice for security-oriented use. Reports from users cite it as an accurate shotgun, capable of hitting a target at up to 50 yards or further. Many people also report it to be well balanced and having a mild recoil. Notably, the Stevens 320 Security is reasonably priced when compared to other shotguns of similar quality, making it a good choice for budget-conscious gun owners.
