Savage Arms 220 Slug Gun: Redefining Precision for Serious Hunters

For hunters operating in shotgun-only zones, or those simply seeking to push the boundaries of shotgun slug accuracy, the Savage Arms 220 20 Gauge bolt-action slug gun stands as a formidable solution. Engineered with rifle-like precision, this dedicated slug platform delivers unparalleled performance, enabling ethical and confident shots on medium game like deer and wild hogs. If you're searching for a shotgun that redefines what’s possible in terms of slug accuracy, the Savage 220 with its distinctive Gray Laminate Boyd's Thumbhole Stock is designed for you.

This isn't just another shotgun; it's a meticulously crafted hunting instrument built to solve the age-old challenge of achieving rifle-like accuracy with shotgun slugs. Whether you're an experienced deer hunter looking to upgrade your setup or a newcomer seeking the most precise tool for your next hunt, the Savage 220 offers a compelling blend of features that elevate your capabilities in the field.

Unveiling the Savage Arms 220 20 Gauge Bolt-Action Slug Gun

The Savage Arms 220 (SKU 22313) is a specialized firearm designed from the ground up to maximize the accuracy of 20-gauge shotgun slugs. Its foundation is a robust bolt-action platform, a departure from traditional pump or semi-automatic shotguns, chosen specifically for its inherent accuracy advantages. This design choice mirrors that of high-precision rifles, providing a solid lockup and minimal moving parts during the firing sequence, which translates directly into more consistent shot placement.

At its core, the Savage 220 combines the stopping power of a 20-gauge slug with the precision handling and consistency typically associated with a bolt-action rifle. This innovative fusion makes it an ideal choice for hunters who demand ethical, one-shot performance even at extended ranges for shotgun scenarios.

Core Design Philosophy: Rifle-Like Precision in a Shotgun

What truly sets the Savage 220 apart is its commitment to rifle-grade precision. Every design element serves the purpose of enhancing accuracy and shooter control:

The Legendary AccuTrigger System

One of Savage Arms' most celebrated innovations, the user-adjustable AccuTrigger, is a cornerstone of the 220's accuracy. This revolutionary trigger system allows the shooter to customize the pull weight without requiring a gunsmith. The benefits are profound:

• Customizable Pull: You can set the trigger pull to your preferred weight, from a light, crisp break ideal for precise long-range shots to a slightly heavier pull for general field use.
• Enhanced Safety: The AccuTrigger incorporates a unique AccuRelease lever, which prevents the firing pin from moving forward unless the blade is depressed along with the main trigger. This ensures that the firearm will not discharge unless deliberately fired, adding a crucial layer of safety.
• Improved Accuracy: A crisp, predictable trigger pull eliminates "trigger anticipation" or "flinching," common issues that can pull shots off target. With the AccuTrigger, shooters experience a clean break, leading to significantly tighter groups.
• Predictable Performance: Whether you're wearing heavy gloves or shooting in cold conditions, the consistent feel of the AccuTrigger ensures reliable performance shot after shot.

Button-Rifled Carbon Steel Barrel

The 220 features a 22-inch carbon steel barrel that is meticulously button-rifled. Unlike smoothbore shotgun barrels, rifling imparts spin on the slug, much like a bullet from a rifle. This spin stabilizes the slug in flight, dramatically improving its aerodynamic performance and, consequently, its accuracy at longer distances.

• Optimized for Slugs: The barrel is specifically designed to maximize the performance of modern saboted slugs, which are encased in a plastic sabot that peels away upon exiting the muzzle, leaving the projectile spinning true.
• Durability and Longevity: Carbon steel is renowned for its strength and resistance to wear, ensuring the barrel maintains its integrity and accuracy over countless firing cycles.
• Matte Black Finish: The matte black finish on the barrel not only provides a sleek, tactical look but also reduces glare, which is crucial for maintaining stealth in hunting environments.

Robust Bolt-Action Mechanism

The choice of a bolt-action operating system for a shotgun is a deliberate move by Savage Arms to prioritize precision. The bolt-action offers several key advantages for slug hunting:

• Consistent Lockup: Each round is manually chambered and locked into place, providing a consistent and rigid platform for every shot. This consistency is vital for repeatable accuracy.
• Reduced Recoil Perception: While a 20-gauge slug still produces recoil, the bolt-action design often contributes to a more straight-line recoil impulse, which can feel more manageable than other action types.
• Reliability: The simplicity of the bolt-action mechanism generally translates to high reliability, with fewer moving parts to malfunction in challenging outdoor conditions.
• Easy Maintenance: Disassembly for cleaning and maintenance is straightforward, allowing hunters to keep their firearm in pristine condition.

Ergonomics, Handling, and Field Utility

The Savage 220 isn't just accurate; it's also designed for comfortable and intuitive handling in the field.

Boyd's Gray Laminate Thumbhole Stock

The heart of the 220's ergonomic design is its Gray Laminate Boyd's Featherweight Thumbhole stock. Boyd's is a renowned name in aftermarket stocks, and their partnership with Savage brings significant benefits:

• Enhanced Grip and Control: The thumbhole design allows for a more natural and secure grip, promoting better control over the firearm. This is particularly beneficial for managing recoil and maintaining a steady aim.
• Superior Stability: The broad forend and solid construction of the laminate stock provide a stable platform for shooting, whether from a rest or off-hand. Laminate wood is known for its stability and resistance to warping due to changes in temperature and humidity, ensuring consistent performance regardless of weather conditions.
• Distinctive Aesthetic: The gray laminate finish provides a striking, modern appearance that stands out in the field while blending effectively with natural surroundings. The "Matte Pepper" finish mentioned in the specifics implies a nuanced blend of gray and black hues within the laminate layers.
• Durability: Laminate stocks are exceptionally durable, resisting scratches, dents, and moisture far better than traditional solid wood stocks, making them ideal for rugged hunting environments.

Oversized Bolt Handle

The oversized bolt handle is a small but significant feature that greatly enhances usability, especially when wearing gloves or in cold weather. It provides a larger, more positive gripping surface, making cycling the action quick and effortless, even under pressure.

Balanced and Manageable Dimensions

With an overall length (OAL) of 43.50 inches and a weight of 7.75 lbs, the Savage 220 is well-balanced and manageable for carrying through dense woods or holding steady for extended periods. The 13.75-inch length of pull (LOP) is designed to accommodate a wide range of shooters comfortably, contributing to natural pointability and recoil absorption.

Ammunition and Performance: The Power of 20 Gauge Slugs

The 20 gauge has emerged as a premier choice for slug hunting, offering a compelling balance of power and manageable recoil.

• Sufficient Power for Medium Game: For deer, wild hogs, and similar-sized game, modern 20-gauge saboted slugs deliver ample energy transfer and expansion for ethical kills. Their performance at typical shotgun hunting ranges often rivals that of some centerfire rifle calibers.
• Reduced Recoil: Compared to 12-gauge slugs, 20-gauge slugs produce significantly less recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots (though less critical in a bolt-action) and more comfortable practice sessions. This reduced recoil also makes the firearm more accessible and enjoyable for a broader range of shooters.
• Optimal for Rifled Barrels: The Savage 220's rifled barrel is perfectly suited for saboted slugs. These projectiles are designed to engage the rifling, imparting spin for maximum accuracy. Using smoothbore slugs (like Foster slugs) in a rifled barrel is generally not recommended as it can lead to excessive lead fouling and diminished accuracy.
• Detachable Box Magazine: The 220 features a detachable box magazine with a 2+1 capacity (two in the magazine, one in the chamber). This makes loading and unloading quick, safe, and efficient in the field. The convenience of a detachable magazine allows for swift caliber changes (if different slug types are desired) and easy storage.

Mounting Optics and Customization

The Savage 220 comes "Optic Ready" with a one-piece rail already mounted on the receiver. This integrated rail simplifies the process of attaching the scope of your choice.

• Crucial for Accuracy: For a firearm designed for precision slug shooting, a high-quality optic is indispensable. The one-piece rail provides a stable and reliable platform for mounting a scope, ensuring consistent zero retention.
• Versatile Mounting Options: The rail allows for various scope rings and optic styles, enabling hunters to choose an optic that best suits their specific hunting conditions and preferences, whether it's a fixed-power scope, a variable-power scope, or even a red dot sight for closer ranges.

Hunting Applications and Scenarios

The Savage Arms 220 20 Gauge Slug Gun is specifically tailored for hunters facing unique challenges and opportunities:

• Shotgun-Only Zones: Many regions and states have specific regulations requiring the use of shotguns for deer hunting due to population density or terrain. The 220 is purpose-built to excel in these environments, offering rifle-like performance where rifles are prohibited.
• Deer Hunting: This is the primary application for the Savage 220. Its precision accuracy ensures ethical shots on deer at ranges beyond what traditional smoothbore shotguns can achieve.
• Wild Hogs and Other Medium Game: The power of the 20-gauge slug, combined with pinpoint accuracy, makes the 220 an excellent choice for hunting wild hogs, which can be tough and require precise shot placement.
• Dense Brush and Timber: The overall length and balance make it maneuverable in tight spaces, while the power of the slug ensures it can effectively penetrate brush to reach the target.
• Ethical Hunting: By maximizing accuracy, the Savage 220 helps hunters make clean, humane kills, fulfilling the ethical responsibility every hunter carries.

Maintaining Your Savage Arms 220

To ensure your Savage 220 performs reliably for years to come, proper maintenance is essential:

• Barrel Cleaning: After each shooting session, clean the barrel thoroughly to remove powder residue and any lead or copper fouling. This is especially important for rifled barrels firing slugs, as excessive fouling can degrade accuracy. Use a quality bore cleaner, brushes, and patches.
• Action Care: Keep the bolt and receiver clean and lightly lubricated. Remove the bolt and wipe down any debris or old lubricant, then apply a thin layer of fresh gun oil to contact surfaces.
• Stock Maintenance: The laminate stock is relatively low maintenance. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt, and avoid harsh chemicals. Periodically, a wood finish conditioner can be applied to maintain its luster, though it's less critical than for traditional wood stocks.
• Storage: Store your Savage 220 in a dry, secure location, preferably in a gun safe or cabinet, to protect it from moisture and unauthorized access.

Why Choose the Savage Arms 220 for Your Next Hunt?

The Savage Arms 220 20 Gauge with its Boyd's Thumbhole Stock is more than just a hunting tool; it's an investment in your hunting success and satisfaction. Here’s why it stands out:

• Unrivaled Slug Accuracy: Engineered as a rifle, it delivers consistent sub-2-inch groups at 100 yards with quality saboted slugs, setting a new standard for shotgun performance.
• User-Adjustable AccuTrigger: Provides a crisp, safe, and customizable trigger pull that significantly enhances shooting precision.
• Superior Ergonomics: The Boyd's Gray Laminate Thumbhole Stock offers exceptional comfort, control, and stability, reducing perceived recoil and improving handling.
• Robust Construction: A matte black carbon steel barrel and receiver ensure durability and stealth in the field.
• Practical Features: A detachable box magazine allows for quick and easy loading/unloading, while the one-piece scope rail makes optics mounting straightforward.
• Ideal for Specific Regulations: Perfectly suited for shotgun-only hunting zones, offering rifle-level performance within compliance.

For the serious hunter who refuses to compromise on accuracy and demands the best possible performance from their slug gun, the Savage Arms 220 20 Gauge is the definitive choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Savage Arms 220

Q: Is the 20 gauge powerful enough for deer hunting?
A: Absolutely. Modern 20-gauge saboted slugs, when fired from a rifled barrel like that of the Savage 220, deliver excellent terminal ballistics, providing sufficient energy and expansion for ethical deer harvests at typical shotgun hunting ranges. Many hunters prefer 20 gauge due to its effectiveness combined with reduced recoil compared to 12 gauge.

Q: What kind of slugs should I use with the Savage 220?
A: The Savage 220 features a button-rifled barrel, making it specifically designed for use with saboted slugs. These slugs are encased in a plastic sabot that engages the rifling, imparting spin for superior accuracy. Using traditional Foster-type (or "rifled") slugs, which are designed for smoothbore barrels, is not recommended as it can lead to excessive barrel fouling and diminished accuracy in a rifled barrel. Always consult your firearm's manual and ammunition manufacturer's recommendations.

Q: How do I adjust the AccuTrigger on my Savage 220?
A: The AccuTrigger is user-adjustable, typically with a special tool (often provided by Savage) that allows you to turn a screw to increase or decrease the pull weight. It's designed to be a simple process, but always refer to your Savage Arms owner's manual for precise instructions and safety warnings before making any adjustments.

Q: What's the benefit of a thumbhole stock like the one on the Savage 220?
A: A thumbhole stock significantly enhances ergonomics and shooting stability. By allowing your thumb to pass through a hole in the stock, it promotes a more natural and relaxed grip on the pistol grip, aligning your hand and wrist more comfortably. This leads to better control of the firearm, more consistent trigger pulls, and improved recoil management, ultimately contributing to greater accuracy, especially in precision shooting scenarios.

Q: Where can I purchase the Savage Arms 220 20 Gauge Slug Gun?
A: The Savage Arms 220 20 Gauge Slug Gun (UPC 011356223135) and other Savage Arms products are available through reputable firearms retailers. You can find this product and a wide selection of other firearms at DEGuns.

Savage Arms 220 Slug Gun Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Savage Arms
Model	220
Gauge	20 Gauge
Action	Bolt
Capacity	2+1 (2 in detachable magazine)
Barrel Length	22 inches
Barrel Material	Carbon Steel
Barrel Finish	Matte Black
Receiver Material	Carbon Steel
Receiver Finish	Matte Black
Stock Type	Boyd's Featherweight Thumbhole
Stock Material	Laminate
Stock Finish	Matte Pepper (Gray Laminate)
Trigger	AccuTrigger (User-Adjustable)
Sights	Optic Ready (One-Piece Rail)
Hand	Right Hand
Overall Length	43.50 inches
Weight	7.75 lbs
Length of Pull	13.75 inches
Application	Field (Primarily Deer Hunting)
SKU / MPN	22313
UPC	011356223135