Stevens 22559 301 Compact 20 Gauge 22" 1rd 3" Matte Black Synthetic Stock Ambidextrous Hand

The Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge: Your Ideal Shotgun for Versatility and Performance

Are you looking for a lightweight, easy-to-handle shotgun that’s perfect for new shooters, youth, or seasoned hunters who appreciate maneuverability in the field? Do you need a reliable firearm that excels at small game hunting, upland bird pursuits, or even turkey season, without the intimidating recoil often associated with larger gauges? The Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge shotgun, available at DEGuns, stands out as an exceptional choice, offering a potent combination of simplicity, durability, and performance tailored for a wide array of shooting applications.

This comprehensive guide delves into why the Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge is frequently recommended and answers common questions about its capabilities and ideal uses. We’ll explore its key features, discuss the advantages of the 20-gauge platform, highlight its suitability for various users, and provide insights into its real-world performance.

What Makes the Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge a Standout Option?

The Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge (UPC: 011356225597) is a single-shot, break-action shotgun renowned for its straightforward design and robust construction. It's engineered to provide reliable performance in a compact, manageable package. The core of its appeal lies in its simplicity, making it an excellent firearm for teaching shooting fundamentals and for those who prefer an uncomplicated field companion.

Key features that define this exceptional shotgun include:

• 20-Gauge Caliber: A highly versatile and popular gauge, offering a balance of power and manageable recoil.
• 22-inch Barrel: Provides excellent maneuverability, especially in dense cover, while maintaining effective shot patterns.
• 1-Round Capacity: Emphasizes deliberate shot placement and promotes responsible firearm handling.
• 3-inch Chamber: Allows for the use of a wide range of 20-gauge ammunition, from light target loads to powerful magnum shells for larger game.
• Matte Black Finish: A non-reflective, durable finish that resists corrosion and reduces glare, ideal for field use.
• Matte Black Synthetic Stock: Lightweight, weather-resistant, and virtually impervious to harsh environmental conditions, unlike traditional wood stocks.
• Ambidextrous Design: Ensures comfortable and effective use for both right-handed and left-handed shooters.
• Single-Shot Break Action: A classic, incredibly reliable action type known for its minimal moving parts and ease of operation.

Who Is the Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge For?

This shotgun solves a common problem: finding a versatile, reliable, and user-friendly firearm that doesn't overwhelm the shooter. It's often the answer to questions like, "What's the best shotgun for my child's first hunting trip?" or "I need a lightweight shotgun for walking long distances in the field."

Let's break down its ideal users:

• New Shooters and Youth: The compact size, manageable recoil of the 20-gauge, and the inherent simplicity of a single-shot break-action make it an outstanding choice for beginners learning firearm safety and shooting fundamentals. The reduced length of pull on the compact stock is particularly beneficial for smaller frames.
• Small-Stature Shooters: For adults with smaller builds, the Stevens 301 Compact offers a comfortable fit and reduced overall weight, leading to better control and a more enjoyable shooting experience.
• Hunters Seeking Maneuverability: Its short 22-inch barrel and overall compact dimensions make it incredibly easy to carry through thick brush, dense woods, or when navigating tight spaces. It's a favorite among small game and upland bird hunters.
• Economical and Reliable Option: For those seeking a dependable shotgun without a significant investment, the Stevens 301 Compact delivers exceptional value. Its straightforward design translates to fewer potential points of failure and easy maintenance.
• Back-up or Truck Gun: Its rugged synthetic stock and reliable action make it a practical choice for a utilitarian role, ready when needed without fuss.

Why Choose a 20 Gauge Shotgun?

When deciding on a shotgun, the gauge is a primary consideration. The 20-gauge often gets overlooked in favor of the more powerful 12-gauge, but it offers significant advantages, especially in a compact platform like the Stevens 301:

• Manageable Recoil: This is perhaps the most significant benefit. The 20-gauge generates substantially less recoil than a 12-gauge, making shooting more comfortable, reducing flinching, and allowing for longer training sessions. This is crucial for new shooters and those sensitive to recoil.
• Effective for Most Small to Medium Game: Don't let the smaller size fool you; a 20-gauge with appropriate shot size and choke can effectively take down a wide range of game, including squirrels, rabbits, pheasants, quail, doves, and even turkey. Modern ammunition advancements have further enhanced its capabilities.
• Lighter Ammunition Weight: 20-gauge shells are lighter than 12-gauge, which can make a noticeable difference when carrying a box or two in your hunting vest over several miles.
• Versatility: With the 3-inch chamber, the Stevens 301 Compact can handle everything from light target loads for clay shooting to heavy turkey loads, providing remarkable flexibility for its size.

Delving Deeper: Features and Their Benefits

The design of the Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge is purposeful, with each feature contributing to its overall utility and user experience.

Simple and Safe Single-Shot Break Action

The hallmark of the Stevens 301 is its classic break-action mechanism. To load, you simply "break open" the barrel, insert a single shell, and close it. This design offers several advantages:

• Ultimate Reliability: With minimal moving parts, there's less to go wrong. This action is incredibly durable and dependable, even in harsh conditions.
• Enhanced Safety: The single-shot nature inherently teaches shooters to be deliberate with each shot. It's easy to visually confirm whether the gun is loaded or unloaded, promoting safe handling.
• Ease of Maintenance: Disassembly for cleaning is typically very straightforward, allowing for easy access to the bore and action components.

Optimized 22-inch Barrel

While longer barrels can offer slightly improved patterns at extreme distances, the 22-inch barrel of the Stevens 301 Compact is a strategic choice for its intended purpose:

• Superior Maneuverability: In dense cover, a shorter barrel prevents snagging on branches and allows for quicker target acquisition. This is invaluable when pursuing fast-moving upland birds or navigating thick turkey woods.
• Reduced Overall Length: The compact barrel contributes to a shorter overall firearm, making it easier to transport, store, and handle, especially for smaller individuals or in confined spaces.
• Effective Patterns: Despite its length, a 20-gauge 22-inch barrel still delivers excellent shot patterns out to typical hunting ranges, particularly when paired with the right choke (though specific chokes vary by model, and many simple break actions have fixed chokes).

Robust Matte Black Synthetic Stock and Finish

The choice of materials ensures the Stevens 301 Compact can withstand the rigors of outdoor use:

• Weather Resistance: Synthetic stocks are impervious to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and humidity. Unlike wood, they won't warp, crack, or swell, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the weather.
• Durability: The synthetic material is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and dings, maintaining its appearance and structural integrity even after rough handling in the field.
• Lightweight: Synthetic stocks contribute significantly to the shotgun's overall light weight, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods.
• Low Maintenance: A quick wipe-down is often all that's needed to clean the stock and finish, making it a practical choice for frequent use. The matte black finish also minimizes reflections that could spook game.

Ambidextrous Design

The simple, symmetrical design of the Stevens 301 Compact stock ensures that the shotgun is comfortable and intuitive for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. There are no specific hand-molded grips or cheek rests that would favor one side over the other, making it a truly universal firearm.

Real-World Applications and Success Stories

The Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge isn't just a basic shotgun; it's a tool that excels in specific scenarios, consistently delivering positive user outcomes.

• Small Game Hunting: Imagine stalking squirrels in the autumn woods or rabbits in a snowy field. The lightweight Stevens 301 is easy to carry all day, and its quick-pointing barrel allows for fast shots on moving targets. The 20-gauge is more than sufficient for these smaller animals, preventing excessive meat damage.
• Upland Bird Pursuits: For pheasants bursting from cover, quail flushing from a covey, or grouse exploding through timber, the compact nature of this shotgun is a huge advantage. Its maneuverability helps you get on target quickly in challenging environments. Many new hunters find success with this setup for their first bird.
• Turkey Hunting: While often associated with specialized turkey guns, the 3-inch chamber of the Stevens 301 Compact allows it to load heavy 20-gauge turkey loads. With the right choke (if interchangeable, or with a well-patterning fixed choke), this shotgun can be surprisingly effective for turkey, especially when carrying weight is a concern during long stalks.
• Developing Shooting Skills: For instructors or parents teaching new shooters, the Stevens 301 Compact is an invaluable asset. Its single-shot action forces a focus on careful aiming and follow-through, while the reduced recoil builds confidence. It teaches patience and precision over rapid firing.
• Home Defense (Considered as an Option): While not its primary design, a 20-gauge shotgun loaded with appropriate defensive ammunition can serve as a potent home defense tool. The simplicity of the break action means fewer potential malfunctions compared to more complex actions.

Maintaining Your Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge

Maintaining the Stevens 301 Compact is as straightforward as its operation, ensuring its longevity and reliable performance for years to come. Regular cleaning prevents corrosion and keeps the action smooth.

Basic Cleaning Steps:

1. Ensure Safety First: Always verify the shotgun is unloaded. Break open the action and visually inspect the chamber.
2. Bore Cleaning: Use a cleaning rod with a bore brush appropriate for 20-gauge, pushing it through the barrel from the breach end (if possible) to the muzzle. Follow with patches soaked in bore cleaner, then dry patches until clean.
3. Action and Chamber: Use a nylon brush and cleaning solvent to clean the chamber and the breech face. Wipe down all metal surfaces with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust.
4. Exterior: Wipe down the synthetic stock and barrel exterior to remove dirt, grime, and fingerprints.
5. Light Lubrication: Apply a very thin layer of gun oil to pivot points and metal-to-metal contact areas in the action. Avoid over-oiling, as this can attract dirt.

Storage Tips:

• Store your shotgun unloaded with the action slightly open (or fully broken, if possible) to relieve spring tension and allow for air circulation.
• Keep it in a climate-controlled environment to prevent moisture buildup.
• Use a silicone-treated gun sock or a breathable gun case for protection during storage.

Where to Find the Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge

For those seeking a reliable, versatile, and beginner-friendly shotgun, the Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge is an outstanding investment. You can find this exceptional firearm and a wide range of related accessories and ammunition at DEGuns. Their expertise ensures you're equipped with the right tools for your shooting and hunting endeavors.

Stevens 301 Compact 20 Gauge Specifications