Description
The Stevens 320 Field Grade is a no-frills, reliable 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. It’s built for the budget-conscious hunter or shooter who needs a dependable tool that works out of the box. With a 28″ vent rib barrel, a modified choke, and a 5-round capacity, it’s a straightforward, durable firearm ready for the field. I’ve put a few hundred target and field loads through one, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from Stevens: simple, solid, and effective.
Key Features
- Proven Pump Action: The dual action bars provide smooth, reliable cycling, a feature borrowed from more expensive designs.
- 28″ Vent Rib Barrel: The vent rib aids in quick, consistent sight alignment, which is a nice touch at this price point.
- Modified Choke Tube: A great all-around choke for hunting everything from upland birds to waterfowl at moderate ranges.
- Black Polymer Stock: Durable, weather-resistant, and lightweight, making it easy to carry all day in the Missouri timber.
- Bead Sight: Simple, fast, and effective for instinctive shooting on moving targets.
Specifications & Details
| Action | Pump |
| Gauge / Chamber | 12 Gauge / 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ Vent Rib |
| Choke | Modified (Fixed) |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds (4+1) |
| Sights | Bead Front |
| Stock | Black Polymer |
Weighing in at a manageable 7.3 pounds, it balances well and swings smoothly. The 3″ chamber gives you the flexibility to run a wide range of ammunition, from light target loads to heavier waterfowl or turkey shells. The price is a major talking point—at $266.67, this shotgun delivers serious value. It’s a tool, not a showpiece, and it’s built to handle the bumps and scrapes of real use. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics, a feature you don’t always see on budget guns, allowing for future customization if you want to add a red dot for turkey hunting.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the first shotgun for a new hunter, the dependable backup for a seasoned waterfowler, or the “farm gun” you don’t mind getting dirty. If your priority is function over flash and you need a shotgun that will go bang every time you pull the trigger, the 320 Field Grade fits the bill. It’s also a fantastic option for a young shooter getting into the sport, where the initial investment doesn’t break the bank. Look, you’re not paying for fancy engraving or a high-gloss finish; you’re paying for a working mechanism that gets the job done.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The price is unbeatable for a new, name-brand pump shotgun. The 28″ vent rib barrel is a standout feature that enhances usability. It’s incredibly simple to operate and clean. The design is robust and handles 3″ magnum shells without issue. It’s drop-in ready for a wide variety of standard 12-gauge choke tubes if you want to swap the fixed modified for something else.
Cons: The finish is utilitarian and can show wear quickly. The action can feel a bit stiff initially but smooths out with use. The fixed modified choke is versatile but limits your options compared to a multi-choke system—though as mentioned, the barrel is threaded for aftermarket chokes. The polymer stock is functional but won’t win any beauty contests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the choke removable or fixed?
A: This specific model comes with a fixed Modified choke. However, the barrel is threaded to accept standard Winchoke/Invector-style choke tubes, so you can easily swap it out for a different constriction from brands like Carlson’s or Tru-Choke.
Q: What’s the real difference between this and a more expensive pump like a Mossberg 500?
A: The core function is identical: a reliable, manually cycled 12-gauge. The differences are in fit, finish, and some features. The Mossberg might have a smoother action out of the box and a more refined finish. The Stevens 320 offers about 90% of the utility for a significantly lower cost, making it a brilliant value proposition.
Q: Can it handle steel shot for waterfowl hunting?
A: Yes, the barrel is rated for steel shot. With its fixed Modified choke, it’s perfectly suitable for waterfowl hunting over decoys. Just remember to use ammunition appropriate for a Modified choke constriction. The 5-round capacity is also ideal for migratory bird hunting regulations.
That said, if you need a straightforward, dependable shotgun that won’t empty your wallet, the Stevens 320 Field Grade is a compelling choice. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See if it’s the right fit for your next season.
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