Shotgun for the common man

[@philp411]

Dear Stevens, how about a double barrel of the same design. And when you make that, let’s talk about bringing back the combo gun!

[@thereindeertherabbitthebat592]

🤘💯YES!!!

[@carbinewilliams9943]

I am here in the U.K. and 75 years old! In 1962 I started out with 12 gauge guns like the Italian Gamba folding model with the fancy ventilated rib, the Canadian Cooey and the English BSA 'SINGLE XII'. A few years later, I got to shoot a couple of older Stevens singles; one that belonged to a farm and the other to a friend. Lovely guns. The gun in this video clearly has features that I would have welcomed all those years ago. Thank you.

[@stephensgate1]

Just a couple of weeks before the COVID lockdown, I stopped in a pawnshop on a whim, and low & behold, I saw a H&R single shot 12 gauge. I was all over it, for I knew just how hard they are to find. Long story short, I walked out with it, I paid him $120.00 for it. I was happy that I finally found one in excellent, hardly used condition. If you take the time to stop in places, you might just luck out and find one like I did. To be honest, I had kinda gave up on ever finding one. The Stephens 301 version is a nice alternative. -Stephen, Ohio 🇺🇸

[@ogk9com]

That's awesome! I owe a few kids single shot shotguns. My oldest boy called you when some years ago (maybe he was 12) when we were living in the buckeye state you were so patient and kind with him ordering his slingbow. We're in North Texas now and he talking about trying to take a hog with it. You've been a family staple for my boys. They're outside everyday in the the woods learning. We all miss the woods of the north but they're thriving here because of your help. Thanks Dave and God bless.

[@davem4193]

I believe Stevens actually bought all of the tooling for H&R single shots when they stopped making that gun. I think it's basically the same gun as the old H&R with a few improvements.

[@Dropkickdurf]

Other than the wood and safety, it’s identical to my H&R.

[@triela420]

Agree with the sentiment of any 12 gauge single shot. There are so many of them out there and they are all fairly well made. I've seen some that are around 100 dollars.

[@txgunguy2766]

I bought a Stevens model 94 for $107 with tax. This was at a gun shop I consider to be overpriced.

[@DojoTheJo]

I have this exact shotgun as my survival shotgun. It is indeed a solid shotgun and works really well with the Short Lane arms adapters.

[@CRJines]

That's a lot cheaper than my black powder double barrel! I have a real nice Italian made double barrel 10 gauge black powder. I paid $1,300 for it!

[@markfletcher5457]

Got to love the 10 ga. I have an H&R.

[@steveelder5306]

@@markfletcher5457 it's a cannon

[@papasfunnyfarm9703]

So, if you take the choke out, can you shoot slugs?

[@loushackelford728]

I have the Steven's 301 and it's been a very good gun. With a turkey choke it makes a great Gobbler Stopper. I put in a I.C. bore choke and used slugs for deer hunting. You are right about the light weight and not having to carry a heavy gun in the woods. But when I use the TSS turkey loads I miss the extra weight for recoil reduction. it's a great gun and under $200 it's even better. Great video Dave!!👍👍👍👍👍

[@nickcavanaugh9586]

Fill the buttstock with lead or penny’s and epoxy works well cover the screw with clay rolled up in a dowel shape that extends past the buttstock hope this helps you it helped me

[@richardeverett7124]

I got an H&R 12 ga. single shot for Christmas in 1983. I was 12 years old. I remember hunting a lot of squirrels with it.

[@kbjerke]

Reminds me *so* much of the first shotgun I ever purchased, in 1977. (I had been into rifles and pistols previously, but this was my first scattergun) I walked into the Canadian Tire store in Timmins, Ontario, and bought a 12 gauge single shot Cooey shotgun For. Twenty. Eight. Dollars. I gathered many grouse with it, and a few waterfowl. One time I managed to harvest *TWO* grouse with one shot! Stupid me sold it a few years later, when I figured I needed to upgrade. Lesson learned. A single shot shotgun is a very valuable tool. Thanks for the video! 73

[@th71-23]

its good to see someone as yourself using practically priced guns. not everything has to be top of the line to be dependable

[@larryeddings3185]

A few years ago, after watching one of your videos on the H&R shotgun, I found a really very nice 12 gauge / modified choke model andI bought it. It is a great common man gamegun. The black powder adapter from SRO is a handy piece of kit also.

[@garonclakley1519]

Great video as always. My dad left me his H&R when he passed, I may have to get one of the 301's. Thanks Dave.

[@ewfisher89]

I have a cheap Hatfield single shot 12 gauge, currently they run around 125 dollars in my area. Light, wood stock, super simple (large extractor instead of ejector). No changeable chokes, just plain Modified choke. I've used it on rabbits and crows (both destroy our garden) and have zero complaints.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for sharing. When I was growing up in North Texas on our farm, my dad owned a 16 ga single shot , shotgun very similar to this one. I always preferred #6 shot for general purpose hunting of squirrels, rabbits and birds.

[@brokeboytactical4397]

I have a 20ga 301. This little gun is my favorite gun. It's the most practical, makes the most sense economically, and I can fold it down and put it in a backpack. Excellent hiking/camping/hunting/survival gun

[@dakotahbishop6308]

I recently got a 12 gauge Charles Daley model 101, and I have been working on making it a great hunting/survival/ fun gun. I never would have never guessed how much I would enjoy a single shot 12 gauge.

[@jfsinc]

Dave, your awesome. Been looking at your posts for many years . Gods blessings. Your a great patriot.

[@terrycheek4097]

Stevens has always been a very dependable firearm. I have owned several in the past.

[@Elvis5595]

I have taken squirrel at 45 yards and turkeys at 60 with that exact gun. Definitely a great gun for around the 160 dollar range

[@losonsrenoster]

I have a little Baikal single shot that I keep handy for survival hunting, somewhat similar in appearance, the fore-end release and break release mechanism is different, and the hammer is abscent, it has a springloaded firing pin instead. Good little general purpose shooter.

[@jeffersoncarlisle3125]

Yes sir! Just shooting some slugs out of brass shells (modified for 209 primers per your inspiration) with my home made black powder today! I carry the Stevens 301 on my tractor and in my truck daily. Thanks for the inspiration over the years!!!!

[@Catspurrlounge]

I have a H&R 28" and an 18" "canoe gun." Great guns. Also have drop ins for .22 LR and .45 LC.

[@bruceglock5725]

That fore end removal is old school that unfortunately you don't find much anymore, and I truly miss this feature. Good for them.

[@richardmarsh9257]

I still have my Savage 12ga single shot from the mid 70s. Glad to see Stevens division of Savage making a single shot again. I think I may have to pick one up. The screw in chokes are a great addition to a timeless classic.

[@dfostman6014]

They did it right. Thanks for a good review and demo. As usual, everything covered with no B.S. and to the point.

[@urbancraft2372]

I love your shotgun videos! Thanks for bringing us a new one.

[@jwilliams3170]

Thanks for this! I fell in love with the 21st Century Longhunter series after it got hard to find H&R/NEF shotguns and have always wondered what would be a quality replacement. I’ve seen these and appreciate that they have your stamp of approval

[@jeremyfawcett8806]

Nice Video I have an old Stevens 94 12 Gauge I was going to sell but after watching this video just changed my mind to hang onto it. It's a great old gun🙂

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

Love my H&R. Paid $125 for it used at a local gunstore. I haven't done or added anything to it, not even a sling. Just the simplest, perfect gun in my opinion. I would like a better sight for improved accuracy with a shortlane adapter, but not a scope or any powered optic. I would welcome your suggestion. Thanks for all you do. Semper Fi

[@thereindeertherabbitthebat592]

I still have my grandfathers old Stevens 94c 12ga. I LOVE that thing. 30in bbl, full choke. Throws the tightest pattern I've ever seen. Makes a great gun for sub caliber adapters too. I'd like to get one of these newer Stevens in both 12 & 410 but I'm running out of room in my safe, I already have SO many shotguns 😂. Great video, thanks.

[@timothyavendt677]

Thank you for reviewing this gun. I like this to remain a cheap and available option for decades to come.

[@dmajor2262]

Great video filled with tons of good info. It sure seems like over the last several years with the gaining popularity of AR’s, and high powered ammo people overlook the versatility and wide availability of the 12 gauge. All in all that’s a very versatile round for the outdoors.

[@jeffTheG44]

I have a stevens 320 and one of these and they both use the same chokes. I personally like carlson chokes and they make steel and tungsten rated chokes so its great for this sort of gun where you load it with black powder and .177 cal bbs. great gun and a great channel!

[@Covert_Arrangements]

Looks like a great woods gun option. Thanks for sharing! 🤠

[@philipbattaglia4773]

Hi Mr. Canterbury...some years back, I picked up a used single shot Baikal IZH-18 in 12 guage, made in Russia. Cost me $99.00. I use it for bird hunting. It's built like a tank and is apparently a work horse in Eastern Europe. Despite the strength, it is suprisingly light. I can carry it all day with it feeling like a broomstick. Remington imported some years ago under the Remington name. If you can get your hands on one, you will agree that it fits perfect into your single shot philosophy. Keep up the good work!

[@Dropkickdurf]

I was actually just thinking about this gun. I got an H&R from 1974 (because of your videos on it) and I love it as my turkey gun. It’s in great condition for being made in the 70’s and I didn’t want to put much more wear on it. So now I’m definitely buying this stevens for a woods gun. I have a stevens and I have no regrets on it and I like how similar this one is to the H&R.

[@robertbrumit228]

I've always been hunting with my trusty 870 12g. Seeing this video makes me want to hunt with my single barrel. Thanks Dave.

[@hillbillypatriot1]

A few years back, I was able to find and purchase a New England 12 gauge for under a hundred dollars, but it wasn’t pretty someone did a camouflage paint job on it , not the best, but I didn’t get it for looks it works well. The only thing I didn’t like about it it’s a full choke, but for the price I couldn’t turn it down And it’s 3.5 chamber can shot minis to 3.5 inch shells.

[@chrissonik]

I’ve had this shotgun for over a year because I couldn’t find an H&R in the PNW. I freaking love this shotgun but same on the ABS. I drilled the buttstock to store a couple last round shells like you had done before, works well but I keep the shorter 12ga shells since it’s hollow. Would love if someone made replacement wood furniture for it

[@zoddimmortal5396]

I bought a Steavens 301 after watching your HR videos and not being able to find one. I'm glad it gets your stamp of approval 👍

[@davefarnsworth3020]

I like it. My first center fire was an H&R single 12 with modified choke. I was 13 years old and didn't break 70 lbs. Learned how to handle recoil. Think I may have to see about getting one of those.

[@sniperofbuffalo]

This actually reminds me a lot of the 12GA SS Stevens shotgun I have that came from Sears back in the 1950's. It takes down the same except the forend just snaps into place instead of the sliding mechanism.

[@cb3391]

Dave , Still use my hr from back in day ty for starting , me on the longhunter pathology

[@raleighthomas3079]

Great video and info on a much needed gun! I have a few pumps and autos I really like to carry, but for a light, simple reliable shotgun the old H+R single shots couldn’t be beat. Until now. The Henry’s are great, but heavier and wildly more expensive. I need to look for a Stevens!

[@Philippians--co6ww]

I am huge fan of Dave's longhunter vids. I have a Savage/Stevens 301 turkey gun in .62 caliber (20 gauge). It has 26 inch barrel and I put an improved cylinder (.61 caliber) choke in it. I put a truglo rear sight on it as well. I load a shell with a .60 caliber round ball. I'm getting accuracy out to around 45 yards that compares favorably with factory slugs. I load a varmit round with 12 pellets of #2 buckshot, extremely effective out to 35-40 yards. I just couldn't be more pleased with this little smoothbore. Easy on the shoulder as well.

[@blaiseronstadt6306]

I had that HR shotgun, also a brazilian made Fie then Dad got me a Ithaca, 20 featherlight,. Those upgrades you pointed out are All great, good solid basic shotgun, I enjoyed starting out with single shot shotgun, break action on also 22 lr, it teaches safety and becoming Responsible Sportsman Firearms handling, That's been 50 years ago

[@maxzorin3799]

Stevens making some great stuff...301 and 320 are awesome

[@xSirBaconx]

Absolutely fantastic content as always! Those stevens break actions simply can’t be beat for a field gun

[@geico1975]

I have that same gun in 20 GA and it's great. Also, got me the model 320 a pump-action in 20 GA. So much easier on the shoulder I think. Although, got to keep a 12 GA around it seems to me, my Remington Express pump-action old school style takes care of that:)

[@thebigfellar7178]

I bought the stevens 301 12ga because of the ejector. I was raised and taught off a 16 ga single. Killed a lot of critters and deer with that gun. Beauty of a single vs other guns is you can change rounds at a moment's notice, with almost no noise or sound. See a turkey and loaded with a squirrel load ""bam"" switch loads. You can't do that with a pump double or auto. You also can reload pretty fast after practice with the ""ejector"". A lot lighter than other shotguns and easier to carry around ""weight wise"". And with inserts can shoot everything from 22 l.r. to 44 mag to 30-30 and beyond. Breaks down and will fit in a pack. I like mine a lot. As far as I know the Stevens is the only single barrel with an ejector. None of the others have one. Just the Stevens. It also takes Win chokes, so you can hunt or shoot doves to ducks to deer and turkeys. And everything in between. She kicks and roars on slugs and buckshot. But all singles do. I have mine pimped out with fiber optic sights and a cheek bag and shell holder ...!!! I also added a tie-on recoil pad in addition to the one that came with it. No more mule kicking anymore. Love mine. Peace.

[@markhinds2154]

Gun dealers import that gun in Belize. We use it for deer and hog hunting. $1800 bucks. Guns are ridiculously expensive here.

[@The5150owl]

Great video Dave, I purchased a similar rifle the Rossi trifecta in 223., 12g., & 22 long practically new with carrying case for 290 from a pawn shop and has served me well.

[@jguitarz1]

Love Stevens. Have an old Model 24 over & under .22/410 that belonged to my grandfather. All I carry besides a side arm.

[@johncaster8037]

Bought my 301 2 years ago after watching your Common man videos. Have the short lane black powder adapter and it’s my go to bush/food gun, if/when needed. Thank you Dave!

[@dylansomsel7045]

I have the 20 gauge youth model. Hands down my new favorite, it's the one I grab. My H&R's haven't left the safe in a few years. It's either this or the M6 scout

[@denniscleveland669]

😂 That was too funny! Right after the shot at the water bottle, when you started to talk again, it was just like being near someone that just shot and I wasn’t wearing hearing protection. You were muffled and slowly gained volume.

[@robert4027]

BARREL is CHROME MOLLY ALLOY. 1 of my reasons for buying it .. last week 💪 but i paid 208. which is fine

[@maxpinson5002]

Nice to see a manufacturer fill the void that remington left. Just me- I personally don't care for putting things in the stock. I've found that stuffing the cavity in plastic stocks with some pieces of styrofoam and compacting it somewhat will cut down on the extra noise the hollow part makes if it gets scratched against a briar or branch, etc., and it's easy to dig back out if you need to access the stock bolt for any reason. Thanks for the great video

[@Yukontom]

Great video! I have a Stevens 94, and keep a few waterproof matches wrapped in tinfoil and some tinder in the hollow space between the forearm and barrel.

[@patriot-1996]

I got this gun a couple months ago because I liked your single shot shotgun videos. Slowly working on getting together a field/ survival kit for it

[@willsatozlife4359]

The 301 is always sold out in my area.

[@jamesbrownmiller808]

A year or so ago I did find an H&R single shot modified choke but it did take me several years of hunting for it at the local gun shows, however the finish was very rough.

[@mikehoward8201]

I have 3 different single shot shotguns, purchased at various local pawnshops. I like the fold over models rather than the breakdown style. I camo painted two of them and one left black. Two are 12 gauge and one is a 20. I have many of the short sleeve adapters for my bugout gun. It has a hollow stock that allows me to carry a compact fire kit, compact cleaning kit and 4 extra 12 gauge rounds in it. Bought a sleeve that holds 5 rounds, and the high vis front sight for two of them for lower light conditions. Two of these are readily available in my home and one packed in my vehicle. They cost me from right on $100 to as much as $140 for the most expensive one. Just too great a bargains to pass up!

[@richardwoolard9804]

You sold me ,now the problem is finding one , great video and information , RGW in NC

[@JoannaJedrzejczyksForehead]

This video convinced me to buy a youth model in 20ga for my 11y.o. soon for when Pheasant Season comes. Well my 11 and 12 y.o. One can take the 870 express 20ga, and the other, the Stevens 301. Chokes are cheap too.

[@kesleycottrell1416]

I had to start with a single shot 16 gauge. It taught me to make a good shot. Killed a lot of critters with it.

[@cbrucesbiz]

The features are excellent. If I were to build a single-shot, break- barrel shot gun I would incorporate all these features, and maybe I will, if the company is obliged.

[@PABrewNews]

Love my wood grain stevens single shot, best gun I ever bought.

[@WannabeWoodsman]

I found a ton of long barrel inserts including .45-70

[@jaytee7822]

Awesome sauce! That's a great woods tool for multi uses. Light practical and affordable. Thank you for content mr canterbury

[@ourtechwriter]

Thank you, Dave!

[@magicdaveable]

Lighter weight than wood is a definite drawback. Us "older guys" with aging bodies need the extra wight to help reduce recoil. I really miss my old Savage/Stevens single barrel 12 ga. Got a whitetail with it in '63 when I was 14 using a Foster Slug. A talented gunsmithing friend honed the barrel choke to increase the full choke diameter to reduce the "squeeze" on the Foster Slugs. I should have kept it.

[@jamarjames9501]

I have a bunch if old single shot 12s 16s and 20s... Two 16s and 4 or 5 12s and 20s. I could never sell a gun especially the way this country is headed.

[@edvvardcash6109]

I ordered one on this recommendation and can't wait to get it and start hunting again

[@paulschwartz2464]

Fine weapon and a good review. Thanks Dave.

[@curlywurly70]

If Stevens starts a barrel exchange program, lot of people would buy this shotgun.

[@MtnManLucas]

Single shot 12 gauge is the Survival gun of choice, IMO.

[@jamesboothjr8783]

Love H&R single shot shotguns this Steven's looks like a keeper.

[@beardo_M.D.]

I bought one for $99 a few years ago when America was Great Again. I had a bunch of mini shells and light bird loads that my semi auto Charles Daly did not like. Worth every penny.

[@framusburns-hagstromiii808]

I have a 301 in 20 gauge. Its the hardest kicking shotgun I have ever shot! The hollow plastic buttstock and firearm are so light weight there is almost no mass to soak up the recoil. The 12 gauge version is likely worse, However the recoil butt-pad on the 12 seems to be much more substantial than on my 20...so maybe its not too bad.. the 20 will nearly pop your eyeballs out of their sockets even with low-base ammo...really painful to shoot.

[@2greeksandacamera]

Great job Dave THANKS

[@flintrichards945]

That looks like a great shotgun to keep in the truck or use for survival they are very handy and you can do so much with them the only thing I don’t like is the external safety I really don’t think it’s needed on a hammer gun but I’m very old school and learn how to use the hammer as a safety I have an old Iver Johnson single shot 20 gauge that I like to use.

[@uilleachan]

Over here in the UK the market is awash with 2nd hand double barrel side by sides'. A good example is AYA a spanish maker, their AYA #4 ejector 2 3/4" chamber model new starts at circa £3500 for the base model, but can be had 2nd hand for as low as £200 or less for a perfectly serviceable gun built to last a lifetime. The fashion in the UK at the moment and for a good while now, is for over & under doubles, which means there are some crazily good high quality 2nd hand side by side bargains to be had. Always thought that if someone in the US could find a way to import 2nd hand shotguns from the UK willing to pass them on at a good price, there'd be a lot of folk that could put them to good use in this sort of scenario.

[@johnnorman7708]

Btw., Since shotgun ammo is so varied, we need a video (and discussion) on it for newbies and those that haven't explored it in depth. That would be fun. Edit: I think 1 1/4 ounce #4 shot loads (regular or long range) are absolutely the most universal load to stick in a foragers shotgun. I figure this should get the discussion going.

[@jamesschneider3828]

15 years ago I purchased a Rossi with a 20 gauge barrel and a 223 rifle barrel for about $225. Shotgun works fine but the rifle I can't hit the broadside of a barn.

[@skschmidt1376]

THANK YOU for this review.

[@edhondo4447]

i have always like the single shot . back in the 60s i bought an iver johnson 12 and 20 ga for me and my son . my son was only 5 at the time but i knew he would grow in to it and to my surprise the 12 ga came with a change out barrel chambered in 30/30 . it's the only gun i used except when bird hunting . most start crying when i tell them i only paid $40 each and $25 for the 30/30 barrel . although $105 was a lot to come up with in 67 .. good video

[@justintower2691]

Reminds me of the old Cooey Shot Guns

[@OverOnTheWildSide]

My first gun ever was a Winchester 12 gauge model 37. I still love it and keep it handy.

[@woodrowbrimm2805]

I like the old Win. 37 also I found mine a couple of years ago with a cracked stock and the barrel was shortened .I fixed the stock and use it to test my Black Powder Reloads and Test 2 1/2" shells for my Fathers old Stevens Pump which has the shorter chamber. Mine has a Hair Trigger so always be alert.

[@jeffsams2834]

Thank you, sir, for that recommendation. I've been on the lookout for a good single-barrel shotgun.

[@arm3127]

Love your firearm videos Dave.

[@Kaelland]

Any idea on when we'll get a follow-up on how this shotgun held up in the field?

[@tangobayus]

No water bottles were harmed during the making of this video.

[@jamescooper2618]

Seems like a great common man/survival/hunting/ truck gun.

[@marco529]

I have a Braztech 12 gauge that I paid about $100 for that works as well as I need it too. I also added several of the inserts as well.

[@OnTheRiver66]

Great review, as always. I love that shotgun.

[@katwilliams2950]

Thank you!!!! I'm new to hunting and this sounds like a great option!

[@thesmartbudgetchannel2940]

I like the no tools require feature. thank you for the review Dave.

[@Peterdragon8769]

A quarter will usually work to get 12 gauge choke tubes out. You guys probably already know that though.