Description
You know that feeling when you’re sitting in a blind, the sun’s just starting to peek through the timber, and you hear that tell-tale crunch of leaves in the distance? That’s the moment you want a tool you can trust implicitly. For years in Missouri, that meant a scoped rifle for some, a smoothbore for others—but the dedicated slug gun guys always had a quiet confidence. I’ve put a lot of rounds through different setups, and when it comes to putting a single, precise projectile on a deer’s vitals from a stand or a field edge, the Savage, 220, Bolt Action Shotgun, 20 Gauge, 3″ Chamber, 22″ Barrel, Rifled Barrel, Camo Finish, Synthetic Stock, 3Rd, AccuTrigger is the one that consistently earns its place in the rack. It’s a purpose-built, no-nonsense firearm designed for one thing: delivering rifle-like accuracy with shotgun-shell legality in states with specific regulations.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t your grandpa’s deer shotgun. The heart of the 220’s capability is its free-floated, button-rifled 22-inch barrel. That rifling is what imparts a stabilizing spin to modern sabot slugs, transforming them from a hunk of lead into a legitimate 150-yard projectile. I’ve found that with quality ammunition like Federal Premium Barnes Expander or Hornady SST slugs, sub-2-inch groups at 100 yards are not just possible, they’re expected. The barrel is cold hammer-forged, which Savage is known for, providing a consistent bore that contributes directly to that repeatable accuracy. At a total weight around 7.5 pounds, it’s easy to carry all day but has enough heft to soak up recoil, making follow-up shots—if you even need one—quick and controlled.
Then there’s the AccuTrigger. If you’ve shot other Savage centerfires, you know the deal. This user-adjustable trigger is a legitimate game-changer for a shotgun. It breaks cleanly, with no creep or grit, and you can set it to a pull weight that suits you. For a precision instrument like this, a crisp trigger isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for making those ethical shots. The synthetic stock is durable, weatherproof, and finished in a Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern that blends perfectly into our Midwestern hardwoods and CRP fields. The 3-round capacity (2+1) is standard for the category and keeps the profile sleek.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Action | Bolt Action |
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel | 22″ Rifled |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Bottomland Camo |
| Stock | Synthetic |
| Capacity | 3 Rounds (2+1) |
| Trigger | Adjustable AccuTrigger |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy for a slug gun, a fantastic trigger you’d normally find on a target rifle, and a rugged, weather-resistant build. The camo finish is applied well and is truly functional. The cons? Well, it’s a single-purpose tool. You won’t be swapping barrels to shoot birdshot. And as a bolt-action, your rate of fire is obviously slower than a pump or semi-auto—but for the kind of shooting it’s meant for, that’s almost never an issue. The price point of $529.40 puts it in a very competitive spot, offering premium features without a premium price tag.
Who is this for?
This shotgun is for the hunter who operates in a shotgun-only or straight-walled cartridge zone and refuses to compromise on precision. It’s for the Missouri hunter who wants to extend their effective range beyond a smoothbore’s limits. It’s also an excellent choice for a younger or recoil-sensitive shooter stepping up from a .243, as the 20 gauge platform with a good recoil pad is very manageable. The best part? It’s drop-in ready. Mount a quality low-power variable optic or a dedicated slug scope like a Bushnell Banner or Vortex Crossfire, zero it, and you’re set. No gunsmithing, no fuss. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 20 gauge powerful enough for whitetail deer?
A: Absolutely. With modern sabot slugs, a 20 gauge delivers more than enough energy for ethical whitetail harvests at common shotgun-ranges. The reduced recoil compared to a 12 gauge is a significant benefit for many shooters, allowing for better shot placement and more practice.
Q: Can I shoot regular birdshot or buckshot through the rifled barrel?
A: You should not. The rifling will impart a spin that can cause traditional shot loads to disperse in an unpredictable, donut-shaped pattern. It’s also hard on the barrel. This gun is designed specifically for sabot slugs. For other loads, you’d want a smoothbore barrel.
Q: What scope base does it use?
A: The Savage 220 comes drilled and tapped for a standard scope base. It typically uses a common Savage short-action pattern base, which is widely available from brands like Weaver, EGW, or Warne. Always confirm the specific model number when purchasing mounts.
If you’re looking to tighten your groups and confidently take that longer shot in shotgun country, the Savage 220 deserves your serious consideration. See the full details on our site.
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