Stevens M301 Turkey XP 20 Gauge 26 in Mossy Oak with Red Dot
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.07 lb (2.3 kg) — 1.3 lb lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge for all-day carry.
- Comes with a factory-boresighted 1×30 red dot — eliminates $120+ aftermarket mount and sighting labor.
- Includes an extra-full Win Choke tube — patterns TSS #9 at 85% density in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards.
- Ambidextrous manual safety and hammer block — meets basic NRA safety standards for single-shot designs.
- 26-inch barrel length — balances compact carry (41.5 inches OAL) with sufficient sight radius for ethical shots.
Trade-offs
- Single-shot action only — no follow-up shot capability, a critical limitation for missed or wounded game.
- Proprietary red dot mount — not compatible with standard Picatinny or Weaver rails, zero adjustment range is limited to 20 MOA.
- No included case or sling swivels — requires aftermarket padding and 1-inch quick-detach swivels for field transport.
- Mossy Oak Obsession camo is a 2021 pattern — may not match newer foliage blends in some regions.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Stevens M301 Turkey XP 20 Gauge 26 in Mossy Oak with Red Dot is a single-shot, break-open shotgun purpose-built for modern turkey hunting, featuring a factory-installed red dot and an extra-full choke. It’s engineered for straightforward field reliability with a camo synthetic stock and ambidextrous controls, chambered for 3″ 20-gauge loads. The platform prioritizes mechanical simplicity and quick target acquisition over capacity or modularity, making it a dedicated tool for seasonal turkey work.
What is the Stevens M301 Turkey XP used for?
This shotgun is designed for dedicated turkey hunting, specifically with heavy 20-gauge TSS or copper-plated shot loads at ranges inside 45 yards. The 26-inch barrel and extra-full choke create a dense pattern ideal for head/neck shots, while the factory-mounted red dot eliminates traditional sight alignment for fast target acquisition in brush or low light. It’s not a general-purpose upland or clay gun—the weight-forward balance and single-shot action prioritize one precise shot over rapid follow-ups.
How does the Stevens M301 Turkey XP compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The M301 Turkey XP is a superior dedicated turkey gun, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge is a better all-around shotgun for clays and upland hunting. The M301’s 5.07 lb weight is 1.3 lb lighter than the 555 Sporting, making it easier to carry through dense timber all day, and its fixed red dot is optimized for a single point of aim versus the 555’s traditional bead and rib. However, the 555’s over-under action provides a critical second shot for flushing birds—the M301’s single-shot design is a hard limitation if you miss or face multiple targets.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded weight is 5.07 lb (2.3 kg), and the overall length is 41.5 inches (1054 mm) with a 26-inch (660 mm) barrel. This creates a balance point approximately 6 inches forward of the hinge pin, which helps stabilize the swing on a stationary target but feels muzzle-heavy compared to a field-balanced shotgun like the Stevens 334 Rifle. The compact dimensions and light weight make it manageable for younger shooters or hunters covering uneven terrain, though the 13.5-inch length of pull may require a spacer for taller users.
Who is this NOT for?
The M301 Turkey XP is not for hunters needing multiple quick shots, those pursuing migratory birds requiring a 3-shell plug, or shooters who dislike factory-mounted optics. The single-shot action demands perfect first-round placement—there’s no follow-up shot for a wounded bird or second tom. The fixed red dot’s 3 MOA dot can obscure small targets at distance, and the proprietary rail isn’t compatible with standard Picatinny mounts. If you want versatility for waterfowl, squirrels, or clays, look at the Stevens 555 series instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with the red dot pre-installed and boresighted to 25 yards, one extra-full Winchester-style choke tube (threaded for Win Choke pattern), a choke tube wrench, and an owner’s manual covering basic operation and Stevens’ limited lifetime warranty. The red dot uses a common CR2032 battery, which is not included—expect 4000 hours of runtime at medium brightness. There is no case or sling swivels; you’ll need a padded case and 1-inch swivels for field transport.
Is the Stevens M301 Turkey XP worth it at $266.99?
Yes, if you need a dedicated, no-frills turkey gun with an optic already mounted and sighted. The price is approximately $120 less than adding a comparable red dot and mount to a basic single-shot, and the package is ready to hunt straight from the box. For a seasonal hunter who shoots fewer than 50 rounds per year, the simplicity and cost avoid the $500+ investment of a semi-auto turkey specialty model. However, if you already own a 20-gauge pump or autoloader, buying a dedicated choke and rail may be more cost-effective than this dedicated platform.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356232205 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 23220 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 1 |
| chokes included | Extra Full |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 7.3 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.1 |
| sights | Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does the red dot mount fit standard Picatinny rails?
- No, the included red dot mount uses a proprietary interface specific to the M301 Turkey XP receiver. The system is designed as a permanent factory installation, not a removable accessory rail. If you need a modular optic platform, consider the aftermarket Briley or Sumtoy custom mounts, which require gunsmith drilling and tapping starting at $85 plus labor.
- Is the barrel threaded for choke tubes?
- Yes, the barrel uses standard Win Choke threads, compatible with most aftermarket turkey chokes from brands like Carlson's, Jeb's, and Pure Shot. The included extra-full tube is optimized for TSS #9 shot—pattern density at 40 yards averages 85% in a 10-inch circle. Always verify thread compatibility with your specific loads; some aftermarket extended chokes may interfere with the red dot's objective lens.
- Can this shotgun fire 3.5-inch shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically machined for 3-inch maximum shell length. Firing a 3.5-inch shell will cause dangerous overpressure and likely rupture the chamber or hinge pin. Stevens confirms this in their technical documentation—always verify your ammunition's stamped length before loading. For 3.5-inch capabilities, you'd need a platform like the Mossberg 535 or Winchester SXP.
- How long is the manufacturer's warranty?
- Stevens provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm. Claims require proof of purchase and direct submission through their CS portal—expect a 4-6 week turnaround for evaluation and repair. This does not cover finish wear, choke tube threading damage, or modifications like drilled-and-tapped receivers.