Description
The Stevens 301 Single Shot 12 Ga, 26″ Barrel is a no-frills, break-action shotgun built for fundamental reliability. It’s a budget-friendly, American-made tool designed for one decisive shot, making it a straightforward choice for basic field use, introductory shooting, or as a dedicated, simple-to-operate utility firearm. When it comes to home defense, its single-shot nature demands precision and composure, turning every round into a deliberate action.
Key Features
- Simple Break-Action Design: Manual operation eliminates complex mechanics for maximum reliability.
- Manual Safety: A positive, easy-to-engage safety provides a clear on/off state right under your thumb.
- Adjustable Rifle Sights: The fiber-optic front and adjustable rear sight offer a clear sight picture for slugs or buckshot.
- Lightweight & Handy: At just over 5.5 lbs, it’s easy to carry all day in the field or maneuver in tight spaces.
- External Hammer: Provides a clear visual and tactile indicator of the firearm’s status—cocked or uncocked.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | 42.5 Inches |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs |
| Action | Single Shot, Break-Action |
| Sights | Fiber Optic Front, Adjustable Rear |
This shotgun is a study in mechanical simplicity. The 26-inch barrel provides a solid swing for clays or small game, while the 3-inch chamber handles a wide range of loads from light target to potent defensive rounds. The synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, built for real use, not just the safe. Here’s the thing—its single-shot operation forces discipline. You won’t be making follow-up shots without breaking the action, ejecting the spent shell, and loading a fresh one. That’s not a bug; it’s a feature for training focus. The price point of $167.78 makes it one of the most accessible entry points into shotgun ownership available today, and it ships to Missouri and compliant US states. It’s drop-in ready for a basic sling, compatible with standard 12-gauge snap caps for dry-fire practice, and requires no gunsmithing for routine maintenance—just break it open and clean the barrel.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the firearm for the first-time buyer who needs a tool, not a toy. It’s for the landowner who needs a reliable varmint dispatcher to keep in the truck. It’s for the mentor teaching a new shooter the absolute fundamentals of safety, sight alignment, and recoil management without any distractions. It’s also a viable, minimalist option for a budget-conscious individual seeking a dedicated home defense tool, understanding that its limitation mandates intense training and flawless execution under pressure. You accept the trade-off of capacity for utter simplicity and a cost that’s hard to beat.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Extreme affordability. Legendary simplicity and reliability. Very lightweight and easy to handle. Excellent training platform for fundamentals. Low maintenance. The external hammer and manual safety offer clear operational feedback.
Cons: Single-shot capacity is a significant tactical limitation. The manual safety requires deliberate training to manipulate under stress. The lightweight design translates to more felt recoil with full-power loads. Not suited for any scenario requiring rapid follow-up shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the Stevens 301 handle 3-inch magnum shells?
A: Yes. The chamber is rated for 3-inch shells, giving you flexibility from light 2 3/4″ target loads up to heavier hunting or defensive magnum loads. Always check your specific ammunition’s specifications.
Q: Is it difficult to load and unload?
A: Not at all. The break-action is intuitive: push the lever, the barrel drops, insert a shell, and close it. Unloading is just as simple—break it open and the extractor will lift the shell for easy removal. It’s one of the safest actions to show clear.
Q: What kind of choke does it have?
A: The Stevens 301 features a fixed, modified choke. This is a versatile, middle-ground constriction suitable for a variety of uses from small game and birds at moderate ranges to firing buckshot for defense.
Look, the Stevens 301 defines utilitarian. It won’t win a firefight against a semi-auto, but it will go bang every time you pull the trigger if you’ve done your part. It’s a foundational tool priced so you can spend more on ammunition and training. For a straightforward, American-made single-shot that gets the job done, the Stevens 301 Single Shot 12 Ga, 26″ Barrel is a compelling choice. See if this fundamental firearm fits your needs at firearms-missouri.com.
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