Description
I remember the first time I handed a dedicated slug gun to a young hunter. The look of pure focus, the solid feel of a purpose-built rifle in their hands—it’s a different league from a scoped shotgun. That’s the experience the Savage Model 220 Youth Slug Gun 20 Ga, 22″ Blued Barrel, 3″ Chamber, Synthetic Black Stock, Accutrigger, 2rd Det Box Mag is built to deliver. It’s a specialized, bolt-action firearm designed from the ground up for one job: putting a single, devastatingly accurate 20-gauge slug exactly where you aim it, season after season.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a modified bird gun. The Savage 220 Youth is a true rifle in function and form, chambered for powerful 3″ 20-gauge slugs. Its 22-inch blued barrel is optimized for sabot slugs, and the bolt-action design locks up tight for consistent accuracy you can count on when a big Missouri whitetail steps out. At a weight right around 7 pounds, it’s manageable for younger shooters without feeling like a toy.
Key Features That Make It Work
The heart of this system is Savage’s excellent AccuTrigger. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through various AccuTrigger models, and its clean, crisp break is a game-saver for developing good shooting habits. It’s adjustable, so you can set it for a lighter pull as the shooter gains confidence, and it virtually eliminates the creepy, heavy pulls common on budget guns. This one feature alone justifies the $538.05 price tag for a dedicated hunting tool.
Then there’s the two-round detachable box magazine. This is a huge practical advantage in the field or the blind. You can safely unload by removing the magazine and cycling the bolt, and loading is faster and more secure than fumbling with a single shell into a port. The synthetic stock is tough, weather-resistant, and the youth-specific dimensions—with a shorter length of pull—mean it fits out of the box for most younger hunters. No gunsmithing required to get a proper, safe fit.
Let’s talk about the 20-gauge chambering. With modern sabot slugs from brands like Federal Premium and Hornady, the 20-gauge delivers more than enough knockdown power for deer-sized game at typical slug gun ranges, but with significantly less recoil than a 12-gauge. This makes practice enjoyable and follow-up shots quicker, which is critical for building skill. The 3″ chamber gives you flexibility to use the full range of available ammunition.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge / Chamber | 20 Gauge, 3″ |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 Rounds (Detachable Box) |
| Stock | Synthetic, Black |
| Trigger | Adjustable AccuTrigger |
| Sights | Drilled and Tapped for Scope Mounts |
Pros & Cons: The Straight Talk
Pros: Exceptional accuracy potential for a slug gun. The adjustable AccuTrigger is a major benefit. Reduced recoil of the 20-gauge platform is ideal for youth and smaller-framed adults. Detachable magazine is a functional upgrade. The youth stock is a perfect starting point.
Cons: It’s a dedicated tool—you won’t be swapping barrels to shoot birdshot. The two-round capacity is limited, though ample for most regulated hunting. You will need to add a scope and mounts, as it comes ready for them but without optics.
Who This Gun Is For
This is the go-to choice for a young hunter’s first serious deer rifle in shotgun-only zones, or for any hunter who values precision in their slug hunting. It’s also a brilliant option for a smaller-statured adult who wants effective power without punishing recoil. If your hunting requires a shotgun but your mindset demands rifle-like accuracy, this is your answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What scope base does the Savage 220 Youth use?
A: It uses a standard Savage 110-style scope base pattern. One-piece or two-piece bases from brands like Weaver or EGW will fit perfectly, making mounting a scope from Vortex, Leupold, or other major manufacturers straightforward.
Q: Can an adult use this youth model comfortably?
A: Many adults, especially those with shorter arms or who prefer a more compact firearm for hunting in thick brush or a blind, find the youth dimensions perfectly comfortable. The length of pull can also be easily extended with a slip-on recoil pad later if needed.
Q: Is the barrel rifled for sabot slugs?
A: Yes, the 22-inch barrel is fully rifled. You should use modern, high-quality sabot slugs (like Federal Premium Barnes Expander or Hornady SST) for the best possible accuracy. Do not use rifled slugs (Foster-type) in this barrel.
If you’re looking for a no-compromise slug gun that gets the fundamentals right—accuracy, shootability, and reliability—the Savage 220 Youth model deserves your attention. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
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