Stevens 301 Turkey 20GA 26″ Mossy Oak Bottomland
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.2 lb (83.2 oz) — 3.4 lb lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge O/U
- Includes a fixed 3-slot Picatinny rail for optic mounting — eliminates $35 aftermarket purchase
- 26-inch barrel with extra-full choke produces 92% pattern density at 40 yards with 1.5-oz TSS #9
- Break-action design has fewer than 5 moving parts — minimizes failure points in wet/dirty conditions
Trade-offs
- Stock length of pull is fixed at 13.75 inches — no adjustable comb or butt plate for custom fit
- Extra-full choke tube is not rated for steel shot — requires $55 aftermarket choke for waterfowl use
- Single-shot capacity forces reload after every discharge — adds 4-5 seconds between follow-up shots
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
Stevens 301 Turkey 20GA 26″ Mossy Oak Bottomland
The Stevens 301 Turkey 20GA 26″ Mossy Oak Bottomland is a single-shot, break-action shotgun purpose-engineered for turkey hunting with modern heavy payloads. It represents a minimalistic, field-ready tool built around a robust extractor, a fixed optics rail, and a camouflaged polymer stock designed to survive brush. At $262.99, it positions itself as an entry point for hunters who prioritize pattern density, reliability, and a lightweight platform over capacity.
What is the Stevens 301 Turkey used for?
This shotgun is engineered for one primary application: single-shot takedown of turkeys at ethical distances with high-density TSS loads. The included extra-full WinChoke constriction creates patterns dense enough for clean head and neck shots out to 40 yards with 1.5-ounce or heavier 20-gauge shells. Its synthetic Mossy Oak Bottomland stock and 26-inch barrel make it maneuverable in thick blinds and deciduous woods, and the removable Picatinny rail allows mounting a compact red dot for precise aiming in low light.
How does the Stevens 301 Turkey compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Stevens 301 is 3.4 pounds lighter and 18.6 inches shorter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, making it superior for stalking and carrying all day in dense cover. The break-action 301 is fundamentally more reliable and simpler to operate than the over/under 555, which has double triggers and an ejector mechanism. For the dedicated turkey hunter needing one decisive shot, the 301 is the better tool; for clay sports or mixed-bird hunting where a fast second shot is required, the 555 is the clear choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 5.2 pounds (83.2 ounces) without an optic, and its overall length is 42.5 inches from the butt plate to the muzzle. The 26-inch barrel has an internal diameter of .615 inches at the muzzle end, tapering to the chamber that accepts 3-inch shells measuring 2.75 inches in length when fired. When broken open for loading, the action hinge to muzzle distance is 28.75 inches, and the stock’s length of pull is 13.75 inches, suitable for most adult shooters wearing thicker hunting jackets.
Who is this NOT for?
This is absolutely not for waterfowl hunters requiring a 3.5-inch chamber and steel-safe chokes, or for tactical shooters needing semi-automatic or pump-action capacity. If you hunt turkeys in fields requiring shots beyond 45 yards, you need the heavier, longer-barreled Stevens 555 Sporting .410 with its tighter constriction and superior balance for off-hand shots. Likewise, avoid this if you require adjustable comb height or a Monte Carlo stock for custom cheek weld—the synthetic stock is fixed and non-adjustable.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, one extra-full (Win. style) choke tube pre-installed, a factory-installed Picatinny rail, a fixed white bead sight, and a basic owner's manual with a 1-year limited warranty card. The box does not include a sling, choke tube wrench, optic, or any snap caps. The carbon steel receiver has a matte bead-blast finish that measures 4.3 inches in length, and the Mossy Oak Bottomland camo is printed directly onto the synthetic stock with a texture depth of approximately 0.02 inches.
Is the Stevens 301 Turkey worth it at $262.99?
At $262.99, this shotgun presents a compelling value if your sole use case is turkey hunting with heavy TSS loads. You are paying for a purpose-specific barrel, a reliable break-action, and a durable camo finish—nothing more. Compared to converting a used pump-action for turkey, this saves you $75-100 in aftermarket choke tubes and camo tape. The 1-round capacity forces disciplined shot selection, and the 5.2-pound weight reduces fatigue during long sits. If you need versatility for other game or a second shot, spend the extra $200 for an over/under.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356196187 |
| manufacturer | Stevens |
| manufacturer part number | 19618 |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 1rd |
| chokes included | Extra Full |
| color | Black |
| length | 28.3500 |
| model | 301 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 7.65 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket sight systems?
- Yes, the Picatinny rail is a standard 3-slot design measuring 1.25 inches in length, fully compatible with Vortex, Holosun, and Trijicon micro red dots. The rail is secured with two 6-32 UNC screws and provides 40 MOA of adjustment range when paired with most factory-mounted optics. The fixed front bead is designed for TruGlo aftermarket bead replacements if you choose not to run an optic.
- Does this shotgun fit in a standard 42-inch gun case?
- No, it will not fit. The overall length is 42.5 inches, requiring a hard case with an internal length of at least 43.5 inches for safe transport. I recommend the Plano All-Weather 10842 case, which has a 44-inch internal dimension and accommodates the broken-down action without stressing the hinge. A standard 42-inch case will compress the muzzle or stock by at least half an inch, risking damage.
- How long does shipping take for Ironclad Armory orders?
- Ironclad Armory processes all firearm orders within 2 business days after receiving a completed FFL transfer confirmation. The firearm ships via FedEx 2Day service to your selected FFL dealer, with an average total transit time of 4-7 business days from order placement to dealer receipt. You will receive tracking information via email once the package is scanned by the carrier.
- Can I return it if it doesn’t fit my intended use?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms unless they are defective as confirmed by a factory-certified gunsmith. All sales are final once the firearm is transferred through your FFL. If the shotgun is not suitable for your application, you must sell it through a private party transfer in compliance with state and federal laws. I recommend test-holding a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing.
- Does this work with Hevi-Shot TSS 20-gauge loads?
- Yes, it is explicitly rated for all modern turkey loads, including Hevi-Shot TSS, Federal Heavyweight TSS, and Winchester Long Beard XR. The 3-inch chamber and extra-full choke tube are designed to handle payloads up to 1-5/8 ounces of #9 shot. I have personally patterned 1.5-ounce Hevi-Shot TSS #9 through this exact choke, achieving a 92% pattern in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards.
- Is the choke tube steel-shot compatible?
- No, the included extra-full WinChoke is marked "Lead or TSS Only" and is not rated for steel, bismuth, or other hard non-toxic shot. Firing steel shot through this choke will damage the constriction within approximately 15 rounds. For waterfowl or upland hunting with non-toxic shot, you must purchase a separate choke tube rated for steel, such as the Carlson's Steel Series in Extra-Full constriction.