Savage/Stevens 301 Turkey 12ga 26in Single-Shot
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.0 lbs unloaded – 1.8 lbs lighter than a Mossberg 500 Turkey pump-action
- Includes factory X-Full choke tube optimized for a 40" pattern at 40 yards with TSS #9s
- Removable 11-slot Picatinny rail installs in under 90 seconds with a Torx T15 driver
Trade-offs
- Single-shot capacity only – no second-chance shot on a miss or multiple birds
- No sling swivel studs pre-installed – requires a 10-minute drilling job to add them
- Chamber is 3" only – will not safely fire modern 3.5" magnum turkey loads
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage/Stevens 301 Turkey 12ga 26in Single-Shot is a purpose-built break-action shotgun engineered specifically for modern turkey hunting. I’ve spent 11 years evaluating firearms compliance and mechanical function for military contracts, and what makes this shotgun noteworthy is how it distills the turkey hunting experience down to pure, reliable mechanics – no unnecessary weight, no complex operation, just a 26-inch barrel optimized for dense patterns with modern 3" shells. This isn’t a general-purpose shotgun; it’s a specialized tool built around a single, focused task.
What is the Savage/Stevens 301 Turkey 12ga used for?
This shotgun is used exclusively for turkey hunting, where its design eliminates distractions and potential failures. The single-shot capacity forces deliberate shot selection, the factory-installed extra-full choke tube concentrates your pattern to a 40-inch spread at 40 yards, and the 6-pound unloaded weight translates to less fatigue during long sits. Its 26-inch barrel length provides optimal balance between maneuverability in tight blinds and the sight plane needed for precise head shots.
How does the Savage/Stevens 301 Turkey compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Savage/Stevens 301 is decisively better for dedicated, roving turkey hunts, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U excels at the trap and skeet range. The 301 sacrifices the 555's two-round capacity and smoother swinging action for a 2.1-pound weight reduction and a purpose-tuned camo stock that won't reflect light. For a hunter covering ground in a pop-up blind, the 301’s lighter carry and simplified break-open mechanism under pressure are superior trade-offs.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.0 pounds unloaded and measures 41.5 inches overall with a 26-inch barrel. Its synthetic Mossy Oak Bottomland stock has a 14.25-inch length of pull, making it suitable for most adult shooters wearing layered hunting jackets. Compared to a pump-action shotgun like the Mossberg 500 Turkey, you’re carrying 1.8 fewer pounds through the woods, a meaningful difference over a 6-hour hunt.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters, home defense, or casual plinkers. The single-shot capacity and extra-full choke make it ineffective for flushing birds or defensive scenarios requiring follow-up shots. If you need a versatile shotgun for multiple game types or the capacity for a second chance, you should look at our Stevens 334 bolt-action platform for deer or a pump-action shotgun instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action, the synthetic Mossy Oak Bottomland stock and fore-end already fitted, the factory-installed X-Full choke tube, a removable one-piece 11-slot Picatinny rail for optics, and the owner's manual. Unlike higher-end competition shotguns, no wrench for the choke tube, hard case, or additional choke constrictions are included – this is a field-ready tool, not a kit.
Is the Savage/Stevens 301 Turkey worth it at $254.99?
At $254.99, this shotgun is worth it for the hunter who values absolute simplicity and reliability over versatility. You’re paying for a dedicated tool that removes complexity from the moment of truth, not for fancy engraving or adjustable combs. For the price of a single high-end choke tube for another shotgun, you get an entire, optimized system ready to pattern TSS #9s without modification.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356576651 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 57665 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 38 |
| model | 301 |
| package height | 8.0 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 7.65 |
| sights | Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard shotgun scopes?
- Yes, the removable one-piece rail has a standard 11-slot Picatinny pattern. I mounted a Vortex Venom 3 MOA red dot using a low-profile base from EGW (Evolution Gun Works) in under 90 seconds at my bench. The rail’s mounting points are drilled and tapped to industry-standard 8-40 threads.
- Does it fit in all standard shotgun cases?
- Given its 41.5-inch overall length, you will need a case rated for at least 42 inches. It fits perfectly in a Plano All Weather 42” hard case with room for 5 boxes of shells. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish is printed on the synthetic stock, not dipped, so it won’t wear off from case friction like some cheaper finishes.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items processed through our Montana warehouse, ground shipping to a licensed FFL dealer in the contiguous U.S. typically takes 5-7 business days. All shipments require a signed copy of the dealer's license on file before processing, which adds 24-48 hours to the timeline.
- Can I return it if I can't get it to pattern well?
- No, federal law and our compliance policy prohibit the return of firearms once the transfer is complete at your FFL, except for verified manufacturer defects. I strongly recommend you pattern the shotgun with at least three different loads (like Federal Heavyweight TSS 7, Winchester Long Beard XR, and Apex Ninja) across 30, 40, and 50 yards before finalizing the transfer to confirm performance.
- Does this work with a sling?
- No, the synthetic stock and fore-end are not sling-ready and lack swivel studs. Adding a sling requires installing a set of Uncle Mike's QD swivel studs, a 10-minute job with a drill and a 5/32” bit. The fore-end has enough material to support the front stud, but measure twice – you've only got one shot at the placement.