Savage Arms 301: Still A Popular Single-Shot

by
posted on April 7, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
savage-301-no-2-seller.jpg

Break-action, single-shot shotguns are a time-tested and popular choice among firearm enthusiasts. Modest price, reliable performance and rugged build are virtues that never go out of style. The Savage Arms 301 lineup, which includes versions under the company’s Stevens 301 label, fit all those requirements. There are currently two versions of the basic 301 Single Shot available from the company and another five tailored for pursuing turkeys.

The standard version has a 26" barrel and 3" chamber for 12-ga. shotshells. The receiver is made from carbon steel and the barrel is chrome-alloy steel. The stock is synthetic and finish all around is black. It comes with a modified choke tube installed, but the gun can accept any that are Winchoke style. The break-action has a two-position safety, generous recoil pad and forearm that’s easily removed to break down the gun for east of transportation or maintenance. Overall length is 41" and it weighs 5.85 lbs. A manual hammer-blocking safety and bead up front for sighting round out its features, all for an MSRP of $199—up a whopping $18 from 2020’s price.

The 301 Single Shot Compact model is designed for young shooters in mind. It’s main features are identical, but it’s chambered for 20 gauge and comes with a 22" barrel. Overall length is only 36", and it tips the scales at 5.4 lbs. Price is the same as its big brother.

There are five other “301” single shot models available, each chambered for 3" .410 bore shotshells with cosmetic differences. There’s the 301 Turkey Thumbhole, with—you guessed it—a thumbhole stock and olive drab green synthetic stock that’s easier to conceal from big gobblers. It, like all the others in the turkey hunting versions, feature a removable rail for mounting optics on its receiver. MSRP is $239.

The four other versions are also tailored for pursuing turkeys, but feature different camo patterns. The 301 Turkey XP Obsession and 301 Turkey XP Bottomland ship with a 1x30 mm red dot. That duo’s MSRPs are the highest in the line, still only $259.

Last year the Savage 301 was the second-most-popular single-shot shotgun in sales among FFLs using the services of GunBroker.com.

 

Latest

Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1
Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt-Burgess Rifle

There was a time when firearm manufacturers were primarily known for producing only one specific type of gun. In fact, their fame, reputations and, often, their fortunes hinged upon it.

The Rifleman Report: The Misrepresented Armed Citizen

Despite what mainstream news outlets would have us believe, most armed citizens are thoughtful, deliberate, responsible Americans whose foremost concerns are the well-being of themselves and their families.

First Breach Ammunition Factory Tour

An ambitious and technically savvy startup embarks on the goal to bring match-grade cartridges to the market at an enviable price—all made in America.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.