Stevens M301 Turkey XP 410 ga. 26 in. Mossy Oak Obsession
About this product
The Stevens M301 Turkey XP is a single-shot, break-action .410 shotgun engineered specifically for solo turkey hunting. This is a purpose-built tactical tool: a lightweight, synthetic-stocked firearm that ships with a red dot and choke pattern-tuned for terminal ballistics at close ranges. In the hands of a hunter who understands shot placement and concealment, it represents a minimalist, high-impact solution. I’ve seen similar configurations used in training for breaching applications, though this model lacks the reinforced components for that role.
What is the Stevens M301 Turkey XP used for?
The primary and only practical application for this firearm is head/neck shot turkey harvesting inside 40 yards. The included Extra-Full Win choke and .410 bore are deliberately mated to concentrate 3-inch #9 shot TSS payloads into a dense, lethal pattern for neural tissue strikes. This isn't a upland bird or small game gun—its ballistic profile is hyper-specialized. Its 5.07 lb weight and 26-inch barrel make it maneuverable in dense brush from a ground blind or against a tree.
How does the Stevens M301 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410?
The M301 Turkey XP is superior for dedicated, mobile turkey hunts where weight and simplicity are paramount, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 is a better choice for clay target practice and general small game. The 555 offers two quick shots and a traditional aesthetic, weighing roughly 1.5 lbs more with its 28-inch barrels and walnut stock. The M301's integrated red dot provides a definitive speed and precision advantage for a single, deliberate shot on a turkey's head, where the double-barrel's second shot is largely irrelevant given the bird's immediate incapacitation or clean miss.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The firearm weighs 5.07 lbs (2.3 kg) and measures 41.5 inches in overall length with the 26-inch barrel. The 1×30 red dot sight adds negligible weight—approximately 4.2 ounces—and sits 1.5 inches above the bore axis on its removable one-piece rail. The synthetic stock's length of pull is a standard 14.25 inches. Its modest dimensions contribute directly to its handling; you can shoulder and acquire a target in under 1.2 seconds from a low-ready position, a critical metric in turkey hunting.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a beginner looking for a 'do-everything' shotgun, a waterfowl hunter needing 12-gauge power, or someone who prioritizes high-volume recreational shooting. The single-shot design is a severe limitation for anything beyond its intended purpose. If you're hunting in jurisdictions requiring a 3-shell maximum for waterfowl, this fails by design. It’s also a poor choice for home defense compared to pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns like the Stevens 334 platform chambered in more suitable calibers.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action, synthetic camo stock, one Extra-Full Win choke tube (threaded for the 26-inch carbon steel barrel), a mounted Aimpoint-style 1×30 red dot sight on a removable one-piece rail, a choke tube wrench, and the manufacturer's manual and lock. Notably absent are additional choke tubes (like Modified or Improved Cylinder), lens covers for the red dot, or a carrying case. The rail uses a standard Weaver/Picatinny interface, allowing for optic swaps if you zero fails. The total package weight as shipped is approximately 6.8 lbs.
Is the Stevens M301 Turkey XP worth it at $266.99?
At $266.99, this firearm offers exceptional value *only* if your goal is bagging a single turkey per season with minimalist gear. You are paying for a dedicated tool, not versatility. The included red dot sight, valued around $40-60 separately, eliminates an immediate additional purchase. Compared to adapting a multi-purpose shotgun with aftermarket chokes and sights—which can easily add $150—the M301 is a turn-key solution. However, if you ever plan to hunt anything else, the cost per use becomes prohibitive; a used pump-action 20-gauge would be a more economical and flexible long-term investment.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.07 lbs — 2.1 lbs lighter than a standard Stevens 555 O/U .410
- Ships with a zeroed 1×30 red dot sight, eliminating a $60+ initial accessory purchase
- 41.5-inch overall length provides superior maneuverability in dense brush vs. 46-inch+ shotguns
- Extra-Full Win choke delivers pattern densities exceeding 85% in a 20-inch circle at 40 yards with TSS #9 shot
Trade-offs
- Single-shot design mandates perfect first-shot placement — no follow-up capability
- Synthetic stock has minimal checkering; expect slick handling in wet conditions without added tape
- Carbon steel barrel requires immediate cleaning after use in rain or high humidity to prevent surface oxidation
- No lens covers included for the red dot — an unprotected fall can destroy the emitter
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 011356232199 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 23219 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 1 |
| chokes included | 1 Extra Full |
| length | 28.5 |
| model | 301 |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 6.9 |
| sights | Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the red dot sight compatible with other mounts?
- Yes. The included 1×30 red dot is mounted on a removable one-piece rail that uses a standard Weaver/Picatinny interface. You can detach the entire assembly or remove the optic itself to mount it on any firearm with a compatible rail. The sight's footprint is common for budget optics, similar to models from companies like UTG or Feyachi.
- Does this shotgun fit in a standard 26-inch shotgun case?
- No, not typically. With an overall length of 41.5 inches, you will need a case designed for full-length shotguns, usually labeled for 44-inch to 46-inch firearms. A 26-inch case is meant for the barrel length only. I recommend a hard case with at least 42 inches of internal length, like those from Plano's All-Weather series.
- Can I use 2.5-inch .410 shells in the 3-inch chamber?
- Absolutely. The 3-inch chamber safely fires shorter 2.5-inch .410 bore shells. However, pattern performance with the included Extra-Full choke will differ from 3-inch loads, typically resulting in a slightly tighter pattern at the same distance. Always test your specific ammunition at the range before hunting.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL dealer?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from Ironclad Armory's warehouse to your selected FFL holder. Transit time then depends on the carrier—expect another 2-7 business days for ground shipping. Contact your FFL *before* ordering to confirm they accept shipments from online retailers and their transfer fee, which averages $25-$50.