The Stevens shotgun carries an old-time name once found on frugal field-grade shotguns. The 320 shotgun is an affordable home-defense gun that makes sense for many users. A shotgun for home defense is easier to use quickly than a handgun since it has a natural point and is very powerful. Practically any standard 12-gauge loading has four times the energy of common handgun cartridges.
Designed for reliability and economical operation, the Stevens 320 features the traditional lines of an American pump; Savage imports it from China. The 320 is also available in a sporting configuration, although the home-defense shotgun is of primary interest to us. The 320 features a pump-action, side ejection and tubular magazine under the barrel. The stock is the pistol-grip configuration. Since you must handle a personal defense shotgun in close quarters, this design makes sense. You must carefully aim the shotgun at close range, as the pattern does not spread to a useful degree until 10 yards or so. The design of the Stevens 320, then, is ideal for general defense use.
The Stevens is a utility shotgun—no doubt about that. The finish is matte black, and the stock and fore end are black as well. The front bead sight is easy to pick up in rapid-fire testing, and the hit probability rated high. Oftentimes, it is recommended for the home defender who does not practice much to use a .410 bore or 20-gauge shotgun. There is some sense in this; however, the gauge is not a weight or dimension since a light 20 gauge will kick as much as a heavy 12 gauge. Lighter weight negates the advantages of a smaller gauge. The Stevens 320 weighs more than 7.5 pounds, a good weight for comfortable practice and controlling 12-gauge recoil.
The Savage locks up tight. The four-lug bolt extension helps this, I am certain. The safety is at the front of the trigger guard and is not difficult to manipulate. The Savage is smooth, aided by dual-action bars. Trigger compression, according to the RCBS registering trigger pull gauge, is 6.8 pounds.
To disassemble the shotgun:
- Unscrew the magazine end cap.
- Move the barrel forward and off the magazine tube.
That is all that is required for routine maintenance. The finish needs a little wipe down from time to time, and the bolt, rails and rail guides need lubrication. The pump shotgun will survive many hours riding in the trunk or in a gun safe—neglected or ignored— and come up shooting.
For more years than I care to remember, when beginning a firing evaluation of a shotgun, I have used light loads first. This allows the testing to proceed based on smoothness, fit and feel without introducing the recoil and shock of full-power buckshot and slug loads. I took the Stevens shotgun to the range with an eclectic choice of both field loads and heavier defense loads. The field loads included Fiocchi’s excellent grade birdshot loadings.
Perhaps wasted on the open choke Stevens’ shotgun, as this is not a fowling piece, the recoil was light, and the powder burn was clean. The 320 would do for birds at close range in the bush or even rabbits. A strong advantage of the pump is that the action will function with any shell—whether a light or heavy load. I found the 320 smooth enough in operation: the pump action is smooth and similar to the “Speed Pump” action of the Winchester 1300. Twenty-five birdshot shells proved the Stevens 320 is reliable out of the box, with good handling and a smooth action.
I also tested a good number of the Fiocchi 2.75-inch reduced-recoil buckshot. When self-defense is the mission, you do not need full-power buckshot. Intended for use in taking down deer-size game at longer ranges, the full-power loads work best in a long-barrel, full-choke shotgun. For personal defense, a good, tight pattern at 5 to 10 yards is desirable. That is the best program for human adversaries, feral dogs and coyote around the homestead. The Fiocchi reduced-recoil buckshot offers lighter recoil and excellent patterning on target. These shells burn clean, feed smoothly and overall offer excellent performance. At 15 yards, the pattern centered on the point of aim with the bead front sight.
In slug loads, I was split as to the choice. The full-power slug load is accurate at longer range, and that is what slugs are about—increasing range. The reduced-recoil Fiocchi slug is also a good choice. However, I have fired the Aero slug at a long 50 yards in conventional shotguns and found it quite accurate. The drop is noticeably greater with reduced recoil slugs. Without starting a debate that has no conclusion, I can state that my experience indicates that slugs are more effective than buckshot, even at close range.
For home defense, the Fiocchi reduced-recoil slugs are an excellent choice. While buckshot gave a good pattern at 7 yards, three slugs cut a single, ragged hole. Considering I aimed all with the front bead sight, that is good shooting. The point of impact was just over the point of aim at 15 yards, and on the order of an inch or less, which is excellent sight regulation. If I were using the Stevens as a defense against dangerous animals, such as bear or big cats, I would load the full-power slug and am glad to have the choice.
The pistol grip stock makes for rapid handling. Even if you are forced to move quickly with one hand, the pistol grip offers good hand purchase. When firing the Stevens 320, the recoil seems better controlled with the pistol design as well. When all is said and done, the Stevens 320 is a good all-around shotgun for personal defense. The piece is affordable, reliable, fast handling and offers some comfort in a dangerous world.
I am glad to have this shotgun as my newest truck gun.
What are your thoughts on the 12-gauge Stevens 320? Is it part of your arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
[bob]
This is the only gun I own. It shoots well. At first it jammed on 2 3/4 birdshot loads so I put in federal 3in 00 buck and after about 15 rounds went back to the birdshot. Fixed !
In 2014 I purchased a Stevens 320 tactical model. Other than problems extracting fired rounds of Estate ammo, the shotgun has preformed well. Thus far I have not had any problems with brakeage of the tack welds on the arms to the forearm I have seen on u tube. the recoil with buck shot is substantial. I have put a limbsaver slide on recoil pad, it has greatly reduced the felt recoil but I cants inward. I can not find a replacement screw on pad.
I have the 320. 500 plus rounds so far n functions perfect. I dont even bother clean it beside pulling a oiled rag threw the barrel on a string. Maybe ill clean it better after a few thousand rounds? Maybe.
noticed on my 32o that you can’t put the safety on until after you have chambered a round. is this normal, or is there a problem?
Pretty well convinced that the 320 Stevens is WAY Too Risky to purchase. Looks like 7 out of 10 are problematic. Knowing my Luck – – – – – I’ll surely get one of the Bad Ones. Looking to save up some more $Money$ and get me a Weatherby 459, either the pump or maybe the Auto.
First thing to do is pull the new 320 apart. Clean the metal filings and Chinese oil out of it. Then take 1500-2000 grit sandpaper and sand the heck out of the internal sliding parts. Sand any parts that slide upon each other. Clean well and re-oil. After that the gun is butter smooth.
What type of choke tubes will fit a model 320 in 20ga?
I can only guess that there are some manufacturing inconsistencies with this shotgun. I have one that bought for around $200 2 years ago and have cycled a few hundred rounds through it with no problems. I typically use the cheapest crap buckshot I can find including low brass Spartan from Academy. I guess I got lucky.
I read all the reviews before I bought my 320. I figured $172.99 was too good to be true. I passed on it for a while, but then I thought, it’s a shotgun, it’ll be fine. I bought the field model with the 28″ barrel from Wal-Mart. I added a magazine tube extension so it holds 11+1 now. Have shot it a couple of times now, about 100 rounds each time. Using Federal no. 8 loads to shoot clays. Has performed flawlessly so far. The only thing I noticed is that it has trouble cycling if I try to shoot it real fast. I’m thinking that if I put the factory spring plug back in (making it 10+1 like advertised) the mag spring will have enough tension to function properly again. It worked fine when it was only 5+1 out of the box. So far, I’m happy with it.
hi there, i also purchased the stevens 320 but i purchased the one without the pistol grip and was wondering where you got your tube extensions and if they are universal for all 12 gauge? also, if you knew of a good website i could read up more would be appreciated. Thanks!
I have a savage 320 feild use was looking to buy a shorter second of it ran across this artical and my thoughts are this is a great gun for those concerns about the jam issue maybe it isnt the gun I have fired around 400 shells of different types and loads never an issue this includes winchester no7 federal no7 military grade 00buck superior 00buck winchester 00buck winchester no3 no2 no1 even shot combination shell with 3,2&1 shot. Reloads even work well in it. As far as I am concerned it is the perfect shotgun for what I have in mind.
Savage stevens 320 pump 12 gauge
Ruger American .308win
Lee-enfield .303 british
Smith&wesson 9mm police turn in
Mosin-Nagat 7.62 bolt
Remington 700 30-06 Springfield
New England 410 break action
And last but not least Ruger 10-22 take-down 10 extra original clips
Really? After reading some of these comments the first thing that comes to mind is..Have any of you owned a firearm before? Several hundred rounds through my 320 zero issues ..I did clean a lube before I used though… Sigh!
Damn just bought this 320 shotgun was going. To try it today 11/11/15 whis I had found or thought about reading about it before buying it haven’t even shot it yet but by all these comments i feel I now have a 8lbs paper weight .I guess we will see what happens and hope i can find another sap as was myself to sell it off to and maybe not take such a total loss hope and pray it will run three orfour shots smooth and I get some of my money back out of of it .I’ve owned other savage guns and they were great.
As with every gun there are brands of ammo it will like and others it wont. I bought mine new in a factory box. Took it home and gave it a little gun oil in the right places. Used federal buck shot and wad shells with no jams or issues at all. Remember guns need lubrication to work best and kept clean. Take care of it and it will perform when needed.
That makes total sense.
My dad has a friend who is trying to sell us the 320…It jammed after the first shot with the winchester heavy target loads,and i had to take it apart.
(on the barrel it says imported by savage arms, made in china) DON’T BUY IT.
I own one and have put probably 200 rounds through it. The 320 consistantly jams with Winchester shells with steel bases. Usually after 3 rounds. It has to be taken apart to clear. If I use shells with brass bases, the gun seems to work ok. I wouldnt use it for home defense with my life on the line, but its ok for shootin in the hills. Only cost me 250.00
Who the heck sold that to you for $250? I think the MSRP is only $189. You could have bought a like-new Mossberg 500 for less than that.
I guess the problem with the Stevens 320 is the consistency of their quality. I have seen all kinds of reviews and I have seen some good and bad. My experience and my rating on the Stevens 320 is a piece of junk. I bought a brand new one from Academy, took it to the gun range, and after 20 rounds, the bolt got stuck. I had to take the gun apart to release it. I forgot to take pictures and video. The gun aparently worked again but I shipped it back to be checked and tested. Although they claim that it’s okay, I will never use that gun for home defense. It might just cost me my life! Too bad guns are not returnable!
Picked up the Stevens 320 12 gauge this week from a pawn shop (brand new). $199 on ticket price but walked out the door with it for about $120. Took it out to the country to test it and ran through a box of bird shot (25 rounds). I (fired various guns of different types in the past, but no expert) shot it, my dad ( he is the gun expert) shot it, my wife (fired hand guns and rifles before, first shot gun experience and she was afraid of the sound and kick) shot it and my mom who never fired a gun in her entire life (she’s in her mid-60s) shot it. It was perfect, no issues, no hang ups, it felt and handled great and i’m looking forward to shooting it again really soon. My first experience with it was a good one and i would recommend it. My dad owns and has shot several different guns throughout his life since he was in his teens (now mid 60s) and he also thinks its a great gun. This is just my first experience with it though. I didn’t experience any of the negtive reviews I’ve read around the net. Try it and judge for your self. Everyone has their own opinons, preferences and experiences.
I guess I have to shoot it first before I can comment on whether it’s a good shotgun.
I just brought one home this week and the posts I’m reading are kind of disheartening.
After seeing so much hate on this gun, and so few people defending it, as well as owning my own which works like a charm and has never given me any headache (although it’s not as smooth as other shotguns) I’e come to the conclusion that most of them are horrible, while a scant few are really well made, especially considering the price. I wouldn’t advise anyone to gamble their money away on it, but for the people wondering why people are defending it, that’s why.
Bought it. Shot it. It’s great for it’s purpose. Easy to grab, load, and fire. It’s not a hunting weapon. It’s to stop an intruder with one shot. It works fine. I will hunt with Mossberg, and defend with this cheap and reliable Stevens.
Clearly you have never purchased the 320 George and you know nothing about this shotgun. It says made in China right on the gun!! I know because I wasted money buying it!!! Don’t offer advice or opinion on something you clearly don’t own and have not fired. Some people are so quick to blame the user… when clearly they are just ignorant of the facts and lack experience with the weapon themselves….right George?
Do your research George. Stevens has a moved some manufacturing to China. This shotgun is made in China. You can use whatever brass want to use too George. The gun has a horrible reputation in multiple reviews for a reason. Dont buy this shotgun. A Mossberg 500 is the way to go for a value shotgun that actually works. Use whatever brass you want. Hold the mossberg however you want.. shoot it however you want. Never fails. Steven messed up with moving production to China on this 320 George and you should acknowledg that it is an inferior shotgun for multiple reasons repeated by many on these posts!!!
Good God ! ! ! Glad I read the ” Gloom and Despair ” stories on this 320 Stevens ! Was REAL close to getting one at Wal-Mart very recently in one of their Sale Ads. Looks like I’ll have to possibly re-consider my choice and look it over myself REAL CLOSELY ! ! !
Look. The gun is crap. Dont waste your money. Why people defend it here is amusing. Clearly they work for savage/stevens. Instead of acknowledging it is crap you blame the user! Too funny! Having to finess a home defense gun to get it to work properly?!? GTFOH. Spend $100 more..Buy a mossberg 500 and never look back. CHINESE!!! Need I say more?
Savage Arms are manufactured in Westfield, Connecticut with a branch in Canada..
I bought a 320 and put a box of buckshot through it last weekend. Wost. Shotgun. Ever. It hung up everytime…got jammed…when jammed tube would eject live rounds right onto the floor. I bought this for 220 out the door…could not be more disappointed. I am willing to sell it immediately. Only shot 20 times! Because the other 5 were to mangled to put back in the gun. Been shooting shotguns all my life. Convinced itthe 320 is junk.
Don’t use short brass and you won’t have feed problems, people are so quick to blame the weapon..
I believe mine is the 350? It came in 12 gauge with a black synthetic stock, two barrels; one about 18 1/2″ and one about + or – 26″ with a couple of chokes. I chose it because I was warned against the model with the pistol grip. I believe mine is the same with the exception of the pistol grip. It has a recoil pad but even with a “Limb Saver” attached it still kicks like a mule. It’s has performed flawlessly. I would recommend a Stevens to anyone looking for a dependable pump shot gun at a reasonable price.
The 320 had issues with spot welding on the pump. That was fixed back in 2012.
I own one of the Steven’s 320 shotguns in the same exact setup as tested, however I strongly disagree with the author’s review of it being a good reliable home defense shotgun. In using it substantially over the past year, I have found it constantly jams with multiple different loads…the slide has a problem where it tends to rack half way back from the recoil of a shell being fired, which makes cycling the slide inconsistent and follow up shots problematic – which in a home defense scenario is obviously bad. I did much research after having multiple issues with the shotgun and saw that I was not the only one. In fact this is the first positive review of this shotgun that I came across. Instead I purchased a Mossberg M590A1 and build quality as well as shooting performance is night and day. The Mossberg has yet to jam once where as the 320 would either jam, fail to eject or have some sort of problem come up almost every time I used it.
Hi Nick, Maybe I can be helpful.The Stevens shotgun that you had is basically a 1300 Winchester operating system. Which has a rotating locking bolt.Similar to a rifle bolt action.After you pull the trigger ( loaded or mt ) the bolt unlocks & the slide is releast.Thats why it came back on you.Its supposed to.If you would apply a little more rearward tension on the forearm it would slam back, ejecting the mt shell & all you would have to do is is push the forearm forward again & you would feel the bolt lock up with a new round . With just a little practice you could accurately shoot it as fast or faster than a semi automatic.when Winchester made the 1300 , it was called The Speed Pump ! I think it was proven 3 shots in 1.5 seconds.Best grouse, dove & duck gun I own & still use today.Especially with the screw in choke tubes. I hope this was helpful !