Stevens 320 Field Compact 12 Gauge Pump, 26″ Mossy Oak
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About this product
The Stevens 320 Field Compact is a 12 Gauge pump-action shotgun configured for hunters who need reliable, waterfowl-specific performance in a straightforward mechanical package. It combines a 3-inch chamber, a dual-action slide bar system, and Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo for field-duty functionality, not range-day delicacy. At $279.99, it's priced for utility rather than ornamentation, delivering exactly what the Stevens name has meant for a century: no-frills American workmanship.
What is the Stevens 320 Field Compact 12 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is designed for waterfowl hunting, particularly from a blind where its 26-inch barrel and compact 46.2-inch overall length offer manageable swing without sacrificing pattern integrity. The Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo and fiber-optic front sight are purpose-built for low-light marsh environments and fast, off-hand shot opportunities. It's also a capable all-rounder for upland game, pest control, and defensive use, thanks to its 5+1 tube magazine capacity and 3-inch chamber accepting a wide variety of loads from target shot to 00 buckshot.
How does the Stevens 320 Field Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Stevens 320 Field Compact provides more cost-effective, rugged utility compared to the smoother, more refined sporting experience of our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. The 320's pump action is more tolerant of debris, mud, and rapid follow-up shots from awkward positions, while the 555's over/under action offers faster second-shot capability and typically superior balance for sustained clay target shooting. For a pure field gun that will see hard use in wet, dirty conditions, the 320 is the better tool; for a shooter who splits time between the field and the sporting clays range, the 555 is the superior choice.
What does it weigh and what are its dimensions?
The Stevens 320 Field Compact weighs 7.5 pounds (120 ounces) and measures 46.2 inches in overall length with a 26-inch vent-rib barrel. Its receiver is 6.8 inches from the hammer face to the rear of the trigger guard, giving it a length of pull of approximately 14 inches for most adult shooters. The unloaded balance point sits just forward of the ejection port, giving it a neutral swing characteristic suitable for both aimed shots and instinctive point-shooting scenarios common in brush.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the shotgun for a shooter seeking a finely tuned, competition-ready action or premium-grade wood and finish. The pump stroke, while reliable, lacks the buttery smoothness of a higher-tier design, requiring about 8-10 pounds of force to cycle light target loads. It's also a poor choice for dedicated suppressor or short-barreled shotgun (SBS) applications, as the barrel shank is not readily threaded for choke tubes beyond the Win pattern, and modifying it for a shorter barrel would require NFA paperwork and gunsmithing costs that exceed the gun's value.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one Modified Win-pattern choke tube (threaded 1/2-32UN), and a basic cardboard sleeve with foam inserts for shipping. Ironclad Armory includes a supplemental safety and NFA compliance pamphlet I authored, which covers interstate transport regulations for shotguns and clarity on 18-inch minimum barrel length requirements. There is no hard case, cleaning kit, or additional choke tubes included; expect to invest $25-$40 for a decent padded soft case and another $15 per tube if you need Cylinder or Full constrictions.
Is the Stevens 320 Field Compact worth it at $279.99?
At $279.99, it is worth the cost as an entry-level, dedicated field gun that you won't mind getting scratched, muddy, or left in a truck during foul weather. Its value proposition is mechanical simplicity and a proven action design derived from the Winchester 1300, not fit, finish, or collector appeal. Compared to spending $500+ on a more decorated pump gun, the $220 savings here buys a case of ammunition, a decent sling, and a full cleaning kit—investments that actually improve your shooting. For a deeper dive on Stevens' bolt-action value, see our analysis of the Stevens 334 Rifle.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Proven dual slide bar & rotary bolt action — derived from Winchester 1300 for reliable extraction in muddy conditions.
- Complete field-ready package for $279.99 — includes camo furniture and fiber-optic sight, saving $50+ over adding them separately.
- Neutral balance point — only 0.8 inches forward of the ejection port for manageable swing with the 26-inch barrel.
- Ambidextrous safety and ejection — suitable for left-handed shooters without modification.
Trade-offs
- Pump stroke requires 8-10 lbs of force — noticeably heavier than a broken-in Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 for the first ~200 cycles.
- Basic cardboard packaging — no protective case included, requiring an immediate $25-$40 investment for transport.
- Limited choke tube selection — ships with only a Modified tube; Full and Cylinder constrictions are separate purchases at ~$15-20 each.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356225634 |
| manufacturer | Stevens |
| manufacturer part number | 22563 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 38 |
| model | 320 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Compact |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | Bead |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with other Stevens 555 choke tubes?
- No, the Stevens 320 uses the Win thread pattern (1/2-32UN), while the Stevens 555 series typically uses a different, proprietary thread. You must use choke tubes specifically marked for the Win/Stevens 320 pattern, available from brands like Carlson's or Trulock for about $20-$35 each.
- Does this shotgun fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?
- Yes. With an overall length of 46.2 inches, it will fit comfortably in virtually any 48-inch soft or hard case with room for a choke tube wrench and a box of shells. For scoped rifle-length cases (52 inches), you'll have approximately 5.8 inches of extra space to pack ear protection and cleaning supplies.
- How long does standard shipping to an FFL take?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for FFL shipment within 1-2 business days. Transit time via ground service to most continental U.S. FFLs is 3-7 business days. You must provide your chosen FFL's license to us before the item ships, and the FFL will conduct the required 4473 background check upon receipt.
- Can I return it if the action is stiff or gritty?
- No, firearms are final sale unless defective. A stiff or gritty pump stroke is typical for a new, unbroken-in Stevens 320 and is not considered a defect. We recommend a minimum of 200 dry-fire and dummy-round cycles to smooth the action before judging function. If you suspect a genuine mechanical defect, contact Stevens' warranty service directly for evaluation.