The Stevens 320 is a versatile and reliable shotgun, offering an excellent option for hunters, sports shooters, and those seeking a reliable home defense weapon. With its 20-gauge chambering, this shotgun provides a balance between power and maneuverability, making it suitable for various shooting disciplines. In this blog post, we'll delve into the features, performance, and applications of the Stevens 320 20 Gauge Shotgun, highlighting why it's a popular choice among shooters.
Design and Construction
The Stevens 320 boasts a sturdy and well-crafted design, ensuring durability and reliable performance. Its receiver is made from lightweight yet robust aircraft-grade aluminum, contributing to the overall balance and handling of the shotgun. The synthetic stock and forend provide a comfortable grip and are designed for all-weather use, making the 320 suitable for a wide range of shooting environments.
One of the standout features of the Stevens 320 is its dual-action bars, which enhance the shotgun's reliability and reduce the chances of malfunctions. This innovative design ensures smooth cycling and consistent performance, even under demanding conditions. Additionally, the 320's cross-bolt safety, located at the tang, offers a secure and accessible way to ensure the shotgun is safely engaged or disengaged.
The 20-gauge chambering is a popular choice for those seeking a versatile shotgun. It offers a balance between the power of a 12-gauge and the maneuverability of a smaller gauge, making it ideal for various shooting disciplines. The 320's 20-gauge chambering allows for a wide range of ammunition options, from lighter target loads to heavier hunting loads, catering to different shooting preferences and applications.
Performance and Handling
The Stevens 320 delivers exceptional performance, making it a favorite among shooters. Its dual-action bars and gas-operated system ensure smooth cycling and consistent ejection, even with various ammunition types. The 320's design minimizes felt recoil, allowing for comfortable shooting sessions and reducing the risk of flinching or fatigue during extended periods of use.
The synthetic stock and forend contribute to the shotgun's overall balance and handling. The ergonomic design ensures a natural point of aim, making target acquisition quick and intuitive. The 320's length of pull and drop at comb and heel can be adjusted to fit different shooters, enhancing comfort and accuracy. This level of customization ensures that shooters of various sizes and preferences can find their ideal fit with the Stevens 320.
The 320's three-inch chamber allows for a wide range of ammunition options, including magnum loads. This versatility extends the shotgun's capabilities, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios and target shooting disciplines. Whether it's taking down game in the field or engaging in clay pigeon shooting, the Stevens 320 delivers reliable performance and accuracy.
Applications
The Stevens 320's versatility makes it an excellent choice for multiple applications.
Hunting
Its 20-gauge chambering and three-inch chamber make it an ideal choice for upland bird hunting, small game hunting, and even some larger game species. The 320's lightweight design and balanced handling make it easy to maneuver in the field, ensuring quick and accurate shots. The variety of ammunition options available for the 20-gauge further enhances its versatility, allowing hunters to choose the right load for their specific hunting needs.
Home Defense
The Stevens 320 is a reliable choice for home defense. Its dual-action bars and gas-operated system ensure smooth cycling, reducing the risk of malfunctions in high-stress situations. The 20-gauge chambering provides sufficient power for home defense while minimizing recoil and muzzle blast. The 320's cross-bolt safety allows for a quick and secure engagement or disengagement, ensuring the shotgun is ready for action when needed.
Sports Shooting
Whether it's clay pigeon shooting, skeet, or trap, the Stevens 320 excels in sports shooting disciplines. Its lightweight design and balanced handling make it easy to maneuver, allowing shooters to quickly acquire targets and maintain a high hit ratio. The 320's versatility with various ammunition types ensures shooters can choose the load that best suits their shooting style and discipline.
Accessories and Customization
The Stevens 320 offers several accessory options and customization features to enhance its performance and fit the preferences of individual shooters.
Choke Tubes
The 320 is compatible with various choke tubes, allowing shooters to adjust the shotgun's pattern for different shooting scenarios. From tight chokes for longer-range shots to more open chokes for close-range engagements, shooters can fine-tune the 320's performance to their specific needs.
Sights
The Stevens 320 features a fiber-optic front sight, providing a bright and visible aiming point. Shooters can also opt for different rear sights, such as adjustable ghost ring sights or reflex sights, to further enhance their accuracy and speed of target acquisition.
Slings and Cases
A wide range of slings and cases are available for the Stevens 320, ensuring shooters can comfortably carry their shotgun in the field or during transportation. Slings provide hands-free carrying, while cases offer protection and easy storage.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the Stevens 320 performs at its best. Regular cleaning and lubrication are necessary to keep the shotgun in optimal condition. The 320's gas-operated system and dual-action bars make it relatively easy to maintain, and there are several resources available to guide shooters through the maintenance process.
It's important to note that the Stevens 320 should only be used with the appropriate ammunition. Using the wrong ammunition can damage the shotgun and void its warranty. Always refer to the owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for safe and reliable use.
Conclusion
The Stevens 320 20 Gauge Shotgun is a versatile and reliable shotgun, offering exceptional performance and handling for hunters, sports shooters, and those seeking a capable home defense weapon. Its dual-action bars, gas-operated system, and synthetic stock contribute to its overall reliability and comfort. With its 20-gauge chambering and three-inch chamber, the 320 provides a balance between power and maneuverability, making it suitable for various shooting disciplines. Whether it's hunting, sports shooting, or home defense, the Stevens 320 delivers consistent performance and accuracy, making it a popular choice among shooters.
Is the Stevens 320 suitable for beginners?
+Absolutely! The Stevens 320’s lightweight design, balanced handling, and reduced recoil make it an excellent choice for beginners. Its ease of use and reliability contribute to a positive shooting experience, helping new shooters build confidence and skill.
Can I use steel shot with the Stevens 320?
+Yes, the Stevens 320 is compatible with steel shot. However, it’s important to ensure that you use the appropriate steel shot load for your specific shotgun. Always refer to the owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe and reliable use with steel shot.
What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the Stevens 320?
+Regular maintenance is essential to keep your Stevens 320 in optimal condition. It’s recommended to clean and lubricate your shotgun after every use, especially if it has been exposed to harsh conditions or heavy use. Additionally, a thorough inspection and cleaning should be performed annually to ensure the shotgun’s reliability and performance.
