The Ultimate Field Companion: Stevens 320 Field Compact 12 Gauge Shotgun

Are you searching for a dependable, versatile, and high-performance shotgun specifically designed for challenging outdoor environments? Do you need a firearm that excels in the unpredictable conditions of waterfowl blinds, dense upland cover, or competitive clay courses? Look no further than the Stevens 320 Field Compact 12 Gauge shotgun. This exceptional firearm, known by its model number 22563, is engineered for hunters and sport shooters who demand rugged reliability and ergonomic efficiency in a streamlined package.

What kind of shotgun is best for hunting ducks or pheasants in wet conditions?

For those who brave the elements in pursuit of waterfowl or upland game, a shotgun must be more than just a tool; it must be an extension of the shooter. The Stevens 320 Field Compact is meticulously crafted to be exactly that. Its robust design, combined with thoughtful features like a specialized camouflage pattern and ambidextrous handling, makes it an ideal choice for the dedicated outdoors enthusiast. Whether you're navigating flooded timber, trekking through tall prairie grass, or waiting patiently in a blinds, this shotgun is built to perform when it matters most.

Engineered for the Field: Key Features and Benefits

The Stevens 320 Field Compact (Model 22563) is more than just a basic pump-action shotgun. It incorporates specific design elements that cater to its intended use, ensuring superior performance and user comfort in demanding situations.

Superior Camouflage and Durability: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades Finish

One of the most striking and functional features of this shotgun is its Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camouflage pattern, applied to the stock and forend. This isn't just for aesthetics; it's a critical element for successful field operations.

• Unrivaled Concealment: The Shadow Grass Blades pattern is specifically designed to mimic the natural colors and textures of various wetland and field environments, including cattails, reeds, and stubble. This intricate blend of patterns and colors effectively breaks up the shotgun's outline, helping hunters blend seamlessly into their surroundings and avoid detection by wary game birds.
• Enhanced Durability: Beyond its stealth capabilities, the finish provides an additional layer of protection against the harsh realities of the field. It helps guard against scratches, abrasions, and the corrosive effects of moisture, mud, and debris often encountered during hunting expeditions. This contributes significantly to the shotgun's longevity and reliable performance year after year.
• Matte Black Receiver: Complementing the camouflage, the receiver features a matte black finish. This non-reflective surface minimizes glare, preventing bright flashes that could spook game. The combination of the matte black and the detailed camouflage ensures the shotgun remains inconspicuous in diverse lighting conditions.

Optimal Balance and Maneuverability: The 26-inch Barrel

The Stevens 320 Field Compact comes equipped with a 26-inch barrel. Why is this length particularly advantageous for a field compact shotgun?

• Quick Pointing and Swing: A 26-inch barrel strikes an excellent balance between barrel length and maneuverability. It allows for a fast, natural swing, which is crucial for acquiring quickly moving targets like flushing birds or fast-flying waterfowl. The balance point is often closer to the shooter, reducing fatigue during long hunts and allowing for agile movement in tight spaces.
• Consistent Patterning: Despite being considered "compact," a 26-inch barrel provides ample length for consistent and effective shot patterns, ensuring sufficient velocity and shot integrity for clean kills at practical hunting ranges. It's long enough to maintain accuracy but short enough to handle easily in blinds or dense cover.
• Reduced Overall Length: The "compact" designation highlights its more manageable overall length compared to shotguns with longer barrels, making it easier to transport, store, and navigate through thick brush or marshlands.

Reliable Capacity for Field Applications: 5+1 Round Capacity

With a 5+1 round capacity, the Stevens 320 Field Compact offers sufficient firepower for typical hunting scenarios while adhering to common regulations.

• Adequate for Hunting: A 5-round magazine tube plus one in the chamber provides 6 shots, which is more than enough for most duck or pheasant hunting situations. Many hunting regulations limit shotgun capacity, making this configuration practical and compliant.
• Quick Follow-Up Shots: The capacity ensures that hunters have immediate access to follow-up shots if necessary, increasing their chances of success on multiple birds or difficult shots.

Ambidextrous Handling for Universal Comfort

One of the standout ergonomic considerations of the Stevens 320 Field Compact is its ambidextrous design.

• Comfort for All Shooters: Whether you are right-handed or left-handed, this shotgun is designed to be comfortable and intuitive to operate. The safety, slide release, and loading port are all positioned or designed to be easily accessible from either side, minimizing the need for awkward adjustments or specialized models.
• Enhanced Versatility: This ambidextrous nature makes the Stevens 320 Field Compact an excellent choice for families or groups where multiple shooters of varying dominant hands might use the same firearm. It removes a common barrier to comfortable and effective shooting.
• User-Friendly Experience: The seamless operation for both left and right-handed individuals contributes to a more natural and confident shooting experience, allowing the shooter to focus entirely on the target.

The Heart of Reliability: The Pump Action Mechanism

How reliable are pump-action shotguns for hunting?

Pump-action shotguns are renowned for their rugged reliability, and the Stevens 320 Field Compact upholds this tradition with a robust and proven design.

• Dependable Functioning: The manual pump action provides excellent control over ammunition feeding and ejection. It's less susceptible to malfunctions caused by variations in ammunition loads or adverse weather conditions compared to some semi-automatic designs. In a muddy duck blind or a dusty field, this reliability is paramount.
• Rotary Bolt Design: The Stevens 320 series features a distinctive rotary bolt that ensures a strong, positive lock-up for safe and consistent firing. This design contributes to the gun's overall robustness and longevity.
• Dual Slide Bars: The inclusion of dual slide bars (action bars) ensures smooth and consistent operation of the forend. This design prevents binding or twisting, leading to faster, more reliable cycling of shells, which is critical for quick follow-up shots in the field.
• Simplified Maintenance: Pump actions are generally simpler to field strip and clean than many semi-automatics, making maintenance easier after a long day in wet or dirty conditions.

Real-World Applications: Where the Stevens 320 Field Compact Shines

The design of the Stevens 320 Field Compact (Model 22563) makes it exceptionally well-suited for a variety of shooting disciplines.

Waterfowl Hunting: Mastering the Marsh

For serious waterfowl hunters, the Stevens 320 Field Compact is a game-changer.

• Weather Resistance: Its durable matte black and camouflaged finishes are built to withstand the relentless moisture, mud, and cold of duck blinds and flooded fields. The robust pump action thrives in conditions where other firearms might falter.
• Concealment is Key: The Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades pattern provides optimal concealment, allowing hunters to blend seamlessly with the natural vegetation, crucial for decoying wary ducks and geese.
• Maneuverability in Tight Spaces: The compact 26-inch barrel allows for easy handling in cramped blinds, jon boats, or while navigating through dense marsh grass. Quick swinging is essential when birds appear unexpectedly.

Upland Bird Hunting: Agility in the Field

When pursuing pheasants, grouse, or quail, a shotgun needs to be quick to shoulder and point.

• Fast Target Acquisition: The shotgun’s balance and 26-inch barrel facilitate rapid target acquisition and smooth swings, vital for hitting fast-flushing birds.
• Lightweight and Portable: Its design ensures it's comfortable to carry for extended periods during long walks through fields and woods.
• Durability for Rough Terrain: The sturdy construction can handle the bumps and scrapes inevitable when moving through thick brush and uneven terrain.

Clay Target Shooting: Skill Development and Practice

While primarily a field gun, the Stevens 320 Field Compact is also a capable companion for recreational clay target shooting.

• Fundamental Practice: It's an excellent platform for practicing basic shotgun skills, including mounting, swinging, and leading targets, without the complexity of a semi-automatic.
• Economical Training: For those seeking an affordable yet reliable firearm for trap, skeet, or sporting clays practice, this model provides superb value.
• Familiarity and Consistency: Using the same dependable pump action for both practice and hunting builds consistent muscle memory and confidence.

Why Choose the Stevens 320 Field Compact (Model 22563)?

What is the best budget-friendly 12 gauge shotgun for hunting?

When making a decision on a new firearm, especially one for specialized use like field hunting, several factors come into play: performance, durability, comfort, and value. The Stevens 320 Field Compact excels in all these areas, making it a highly recommended option.

• Unbeatable Value Proposition: Stevens, a brand with a long-standing history, offers an exceptional balance of quality and affordability. The 320 Field Compact delivers features often found on more expensive shotguns, making it an accessible entry point for new hunters or a reliable backup for seasoned veterans.
• Robust Construction for Longevity: Built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, this shotgun features durable synthetic components and a strong steel receiver, ensuring years of reliable service even in harsh environments.
• User-Centric Design: From its ambidextrous handling to the integrated recoil pad (which significantly tames the 12-gauge kick), every aspect of the Stevens 320 Field Compact is designed with the shooter's comfort and effectiveness in mind.
• Proven Performance: The Stevens 320 series has a track record of dependable operation, making it a trusted choice for countless hunters. The rotary bolt and dual slide bars are key components that contribute to its consistent cycling and reliable ejection.
• Versatility Out of the Box: With its 3-inch chamber, the shotgun can handle a wide range of 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells, from light target loads to heavy waterfowl magnum loads. This adaptability means you only need one shotgun for various hunting seasons and shooting activities.
• Easy Customization and Maintenance: The Stevens 320 Field Compact typically comes with interchangeable choke tubes, allowing you to optimize shot patterns for different game and distances. Field stripping for cleaning and maintenance is straightforward, ensuring the shotgun remains in top condition.

Essential Maintenance for Your Stevens 320 Field Compact

Maintaining your Stevens 320 Field Compact (Model 22563) is crucial for ensuring its long-term reliability and performance, especially after exposure to the elements during hunting trips.

1. Post-Hunt Cleaning: Always clean your shotgun promptly after use, particularly if it has been exposed to moisture, mud, or salt spray. Focus on removing carbon fouling from the bore and action, and wipe down all external surfaces.
2. Lubrication: Apply a light coat of gun oil to all moving parts, including the bolt, slide bars, and spring. This reduces friction and prevents rust.
3. Bore Cleaning: Use a bore brush, patches, and a suitable cleaning solvent to remove lead and powder residue from the barrel. Ensure the bore is completely dry before storage.
4. Choke Tubes: Remove and clean your choke tubes regularly. Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads before reinserting them to prevent seizing.
5. Storage: Store your shotgun in a cool, dry place, ideally in a gun safe or cabinet. Consider using a silicone-treated gun sock for added protection against moisture and dust.

By following these simple maintenance steps, you can ensure your Stevens 320 Field Compact remains a reliable hunting partner for years to come.

Availability and Purchase Information

When considering where to acquire the Stevens 320 Field Compact 12 Gauge shotgun (Model 22563), it is available through reputable firearms retailers. For those seeking quality firearms and accessories, the Stevens 320 Field Compact, with its exceptional blend of features and value, can be found at DEGuns.com. DEGuns offers a comprehensive selection of firearms and knowledgeable service, ensuring you get the right gear for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Stevens 320 Field Compact suitable for home defense?
A: While primarily designed as a field and hunting shotgun, any 12-gauge pump-action shotgun can serve a defensive role. However, its 26-inch barrel and Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades finish are optimized for outdoor use, not necessarily confined indoor environments. For dedicated home defense, a model with a shorter barrel and different finish might be preferred, though the core reliability remains.

Q: What type of ammunition can I use with this shotgun?
A: The Stevens 320 Field Compact (Model 22563) is chambered for 3-inch shells, meaning it can safely and effectively fire both 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge ammunition. This includes a wide variety of loads, from target loads to birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, though it’s optimized for shotshells given its field design.

Q: Does it come with interchangeable choke tubes?
A: Yes, the Stevens 320 Field Compact typically comes with interchangeable choke tubes, allowing the shooter to modify the shot pattern for different types of game and shooting distances. Always ensure you use the correct choke for your ammunition and target.

Q: Is the stock adjustable for length of pull?
A: While the stock itself is not typically adjustable, the "Compact" designation often implies a slightly shorter standard length of pull compared to full-sized models, making it more comfortable for shooters with shorter arms or for use while wearing thick hunting clothes. Some models might offer aftermarket stock options for further customization.

Q: What makes the "Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades" camouflage effective?
A: This specific camouflage pattern is designed with highly realistic reeds, grass blades, and shadows that break up the hunter's silhouette, mimicking natural vegetation found in waterfowl habitats. Its detailed elements and depth perception fool the eyes of game birds, making the shooter less detectable.

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Technical Specifications: Stevens 320 Field Compact

Feature	Detail
Model	320 Field Compact
SKU	22563
Gauge	12 Gauge
Chamber	3 Inches (accepts 2¾" & 3" shells)
Barrel Length	26 Inches
Capacity	5+1 Rounds
Action	Pump Action
Finish	Matte Black Receiver, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades Camo (Stock/Forend)
Hand	Ambidextrous
UPC	022188225638