The Stevens 301 is a single-shot, break-open shotgun in 20 GA with a 3-inch chamber. The 26-inch carbon steel barrel puts overall length at 41 inches and weight at 5.60 lbs. The stock is synthetic with a matte black finish on both barrel and receiver. A modified choke is included, and the bead sight is standard for a field shotgun at this price. The two-position safety and ambidextrous design work for either hand. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Stevens 
• Model Name: 301 
• Type: Single Shot Shotgun 
• Gauge: 20 GA 
• Chamber Length: 3" 
• Barrel Length: 26" 
• Overall Length (OAL): 41" 
• Capacity: 1 RD 
• Weight: 5.60 lbs 
• Stock Material: Synthetic 
• Finish Color: Matte Black 
• Action Type: Break Open 
• Sights: Bead 
• Safety Mechanism: Two-position safety 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The break-open action leaves the chamber visible once the gun is opened, which makes safe handling straightforward. Reload is fast enough for field work -- tip the barrel, drop in a shell, close. The carbon steel barrel and receiver are built to handle standard loads without issue. 
 
Single-shot capacity does one practical thing: it slows you down in a useful way. Each shot gets your full attention, which makes it a decent platform for developing trigger discipline. 
 

Usage 

 
The 301 is a budget-friendly option for small game hunting, youth instruction, and recreational range use. At 5.60 lbs it is light for a full day in the field, and 20 GA recoil is manageable for most shooters. It does not have advanced features, but for what it is -- a simple, reliable break-open -- it covers the basics.

The Stevens 301 in matte black 20 GA draws predictably mixed feedback given its price point. On the positive side, users consistently mention how easy it is to operate. The break-open action is intuitive and the single-shot format is forgiving for new shooters learning safe gun handling. Weight is a frequent positive -- 5.60 lbs is easy to carry -- and the 20 GA recoil is called manageable across most user reviews.

Affordability is a recurring theme. The 301 is inexpensive and most buyers know that going in, so expectations are calibrated accordingly.

Build quality is the main friction point. Some users note that the fit and finish feel budget-tier -- which is accurate -- and report occasional issues with component feel or durability over long-term use. The matte black synthetic look is neutral ground; some prefer it over wood, others do not. The lack of optics mounting or an adjustable stock is noted by users who want more, though those features are not typical at this price.

Recoil with heavier loads gets flagged by a handful of users, particularly for younger or smaller-framed shooters.

Most buyers recommend the 301 as a starter gun or a kept-in-the-truck spare rather than a primary long-term shotgun.