Savage 220 Slug Left Hand Bolt 20ga Slug Gun

Description

Picture this: you’re in a Missouri hardwood bottom, the last light fading. A big whitetail steps into the lane at 125 yards. You need a rifle’s precision, but the regulations say shotgun only. That’s the exact scenario the Savage 220 Slug Left Hand Bolt 20ga 22″ 3″ Black Synthetic Stock Blued was built to dominate. It’s the dedicated slug gun that bridges the gap, offering rifle-like accuracy where shotguns are mandated, all without breaking the bank.

The Savage 220 Slug is a purpose-built, left-handed bolt-action shotgun designed exclusively for firing sabot slugs. It features a 22-inch barrel with a 1:28″ twist rate, a black synthetic stock, and a blued finish. Chambered in 20-gauge for 3″ shells, it delivers rifle-grade accuracy for hunters in shotgun-only zones. This model is configured for southpaw shooters, with the bolt handle on the left side for natural operation. At $572.54, it represents a significant value in the dedicated slug gun market, often costing hundreds less than custom rigs. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states.

Here’s the thing—most slug guns are modified bird guns. The Savage 220 is engineered from the ground up as a precision slug launcher. The heart of the system is its free-floated, button-rifled barrel with that tight 1:28″ twist. This twist is optimized to stabilize modern, high-performance sabot slugs from brands like Federal Premium and Hornady, turning them into laser beams. The AccuTrigger is a game-changer at this price point, offering a crisp, user-adjustable pull that eliminates the mush common in budget firearms. This means you can take that 125-yard shot with confidence, not hope.

The left-handed configuration isn’t an afterthought. The bolt handle is positioned for a natural, fluid cycle without breaking your cheek weld or shifting the rifle off target. The black synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, perfect for dragging through a damp creek bottom or leaning against a muddy tree. It’s a no-frills, all-business platform. The 22-inch barrel length strikes a great balance between maneuverability in a blind and sight radius for those longer shots. Weighing in at approximately 7.5 pounds, it’s manageable for all-day carries yet solid enough to steady for a shot.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Action	Left-Hand Bolt Action
Gauge/Chamber	20 Gauge, 3″
Barrel Length	22 Inches
Barrel Twist	1:28″
Stock	Black Synthetic
Finish	Blued
Overall Length	42.5 Inches

Let’s talk trade-offs. The pros are clear: exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy for the price, a true left-handed design, and a purpose-built system that requires no gunsmithing to perform. The AccuTrigger alone justifies the cost. The cons? It’s a single-shot, which means follow-up shots are slower. The synthetic stock is functional but not fancy—don’t expect fancy checkering or adjustable comb. And while 20-gauge recoil is milder than 12, with heavy slugs, you’ll still know you’re shooting. But for a hunter taking one careful shot, the single-shot design promotes marksmanship and keeps the package simple and reliable.

So who is this for? Primarily, it’s for the left-handed hunter in a shotgun-only or straight-walled cartridge zone who refuses to compromise on accuracy. It’s also a fantastic choice for the budget-conscious hunter who wants to reach out further than a smoothbore with foster slugs can manage. If you’ve been trying to make a deer barrel on a pump action work, this is the logical, affordable step up. It’s a tool for filling the freezer, not collecting dust in the safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Savage 220 really more accurate than my smoothbore shotgun with a rifled choke?

A: Absolutely. A rifled choke helps, but a fully rifled, free-floated barrel like the 220’s is in a different league for stabilizing sabot slugs. The consistent engagement along the entire barrel length provides superior accuracy, often yielding groups under 2″ at 100 yards with the right ammunition.

Q: What scope base does it use?

A: The Savage 220 is drilled and tapped and comes ready for a scope mount. It uses a standard Savage 110 series scope base pattern, which is widely available from brands like Weaver and EGW. Mounting a good low-power variable or dedicated slug scope is a straightforward process.

Q: Can I shoot foster slugs or buckshot through it?

A: You should not. The barrel is fully rifled. While it won’t explode, shooting soft lead foster slugs or buckshot will lead to rapid fouling of the rifling and poor accuracy. It is designed specifically for jacketed sabot slugs. Stick with high-quality sabots for best performance and easier cleaning.

If you’re a lefty facing shotgun-only regulations and you’re tired of adapting to right-handed guns or inaccurate smoothbores, the Savage 220 provides a dedicated, affordable solution. See the full details and check availability for your area.