Description
Let’s talk about the Savage 220 Slug 20 Ga 3″ Chamber, 22″ Rifled Barrel, Stainless Steel Barrel and Action, Gray Laminate Thumbhole Stock, 2Rd. In short, it’s a purpose-built, single-shot slug gun designed for one thing: delivering rifle-like accuracy with heavy 20-gauge sabot slugs. I’ve put a few boxes of Federal Premium Barnes Expanders through mine, and the results on paper—and on deer—are exactly what you’d expect from a dedicated slug-hunting tool. This isn’t your grandpa’s smoothbore shotgun with a rifled choke; it’s a true, bolt-action firearm built from the ground up for precision.
Key Features
- Dedicated Rifled Barrel: A 22-inch, hammer-forged, stainless steel barrel with deep rifling specifically engineered to stabilize sabot slugs for maximum accuracy.
- Stainless Steel Action: Corrosion-resistant and durable, built to handle the high pressures of modern 3-inch 20-gauge slug loads.
- Gray Laminate Thumbhole Stock: Provides a stable, ergonomic platform for a solid cheek weld and controlled shooting. It looks sharp and handles weather well.
- AccuTrigger: Savage’s famous, user-adjustable trigger. You can set the pull weight to your preference for a crisp, clean break that eliminates flinching.
- Top-Loading, Single-Shot Design: Simple, reliable, and promotes deliberate, accurate shooting. The action locks up tight for consistent performance.
Specs & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge/Chamber | 20 Gauge, 3″ Chamber |
| Barrel | 22″ Rifled, Stainless Steel |
| Action | Bolt Action, Stainless Steel |
| Stock | Gray Laminate Thumbhole |
| Capacity | 2 Rounds (1 in chamber, 1 in magazine) |
| Trigger | User-Adjustable AccuTrigger |
The overall package weighs in at about 7.5 pounds, which is a sweet spot—heavy enough to soak up recoil from stout slugs but light enough to carry all day in a treestand. The thumbhole stock is a real asset here, giving you a natural, locked-in grip that helps manage that recoil impulse. It’s a setup that’s drop-in ready for your preferred optics; just mount a low-profile scope base (compatible with standard Savage 110 short-action bases) and your favorite slug scope, like a Nikon SlugHunter or a Vortex Crossfire. At $773.14, you’re getting a complete, no-compromise slug-hunting system.
Who This Gun Is For
This is the hunter’s answer to restrictive firearm regulations or personal preference. It’s perfect for the hunter in a shotgun-only or straight-walled cartridge zone who refuses to sacrifice accuracy or effective range. If you want to reach out to 150 yards or more on whitetail with a shotgun, this is your tool. It’s also a great choice for anyone who appreciates the simplicity and inherent accuracy of a single-shot design. You take your one, best shot.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional accuracy for a shotgun. The stainless/laminate combo is tough and weather-resistant. The AccuTrigger is a game-winner. Recoil, while present, is very manageable for a slug gun. Thumbhole stock provides excellent control.
Cons: It’s a single-shot. That’s a pro for some, a con for others—you won’t be making quick follow-up shots. The magazine capacity is technically two, but the design is really best utilized as a single-shot for loading precision. It’s a dedicated tool, not a general-purpose shotgun.
Look, the Savage 220 has earned its reputation. In states where rifles are a no-go, this is the next best thing, and many argue it’s plenty good enough regardless. The combination of that rigid action, free-floated barrel, and great trigger creates a platform that consistently shoots 2-inch groups at 100 yards with the right ammunition. That’s ethical hunting range, no question. We have this model available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, ready for your FFL transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the effective range of the Savage 220?
A: With quality sabot slugs (like Hornady SST or Remington AccuTip), a skilled shooter can ethically take deer-sized game out to 150-175 yards. Much depends on your scope, your zero, and knowing your bullet’s drop. It’s a 200-yard capable firearm in the right hands, but 150 is a more practical max for most hunting scenarios.
Q: Can I use standard 20-gauge birdshot or buckshot in it?
A: Absolutely not. The barrel is fully rifled. Firing shot or non-sabot slugs through it will not only be wildly inaccurate but will also lead to severe fouling and potential damage. This gun is for sabot slugs only. Stick with brands like Federal, Remington, or Winchester designed for rifled barrels.
Q: Is the thumbhole stock comfortable for shooters with larger hands?
A: Yes, the laminate thumbhole design offers a generous grip area. It’s not overly cramped. The real benefit is the consistent hand placement it forces, which improves shot-to-shot repeatability. If you wear heavy winter gloves, you might find it a bit snug, but with typical hunting gloves, it’s very comfortable.
If you’re in the market for a slug gun that shoots like a rifle, the Savage 220 is the benchmark. Check it out on our site.
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