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.
