Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway 9mm Single-Shot, 16.65in
Pros & cons
What works
- Breaks down to under 17 inches — truly backpack-portable without a case
- Weighs just 4.2 lbs — 3.2 lbs lighter than a Stevens 334 in .308 Win
- 1/2″x28 threaded barrel — direct compatibility with common 9mm suppressors
- Built in the USA by a veteran-owned company — supports domestic manufacturing
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only — manual reloading makes follow-up shots an 8-10 second process
- No iron sights — requires an optic to be functional out of the box, adding $150+
- Limited rail real estate — the 3.5-inch Picatinny section restricts optic choices
- Niche utility — over $400 for a platform with one-third the capability of a Ruger PC Carbine
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway 9mm Single-Shot? It is a purpose-built, American-made takedown bolt-action rifle engineered for extreme portability and mechanical simplicity. Designed for shooters who prioritize packability and regulatory discretion, this 16.65-inch barrel platform operates on a single-shot bolt system that disassembles to less than 17 inches for transport. The focus here is not on firepower but on a specific, utilitarian niche within the firearms market.
What is the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway used for?
The Stowaway is used for discrete transport and precision plinking where traditional firearms would be conspicuous or burdensome. This rifle's primary application is as a packable tool for survivalists, backcountry hunters needing a finishing shot for small game, or marksmanship training where single-shot discipline is the goal. Its 1/2″x28 threaded muzzle readily accepts suppressors, making it a quiet, low-signature option for controlled environments, and the optics-ready rail allows for red-dot mounting to improve first-shot accuracy at typical 9mm pistol-caliber distances of 50 yards.
How does the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle series?
The Stowaway is better for ultralight packing and regulatory simplicity, while rifles like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win are better for hunting medium game at distance. The Stevens is a more traditional, multi-shot bolt-action hunting rifle weighing nearly twice as much (over 7 lbs), chambered for high-powered cartridges, and designed for sustained engagements. The Stowaway, at just 4.2 pounds and one round, trades all capacity and power for a 60% shorter pack length and the ability to stow in a standard backpack without a case.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The assembled rifle weighs 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg) and measures 32.5 inches in overall length. Its key specification is the packed length of under 17 inches when the barrel is detached from the receiver, a 48% reduction in profile that allows it to fit in a pack intended for a 17-inch laptop. The 16.65-inch barrel has a diameter of 0.75 inches at the muzzle, and the Picatinny rail section is 3.5 inches long, sufficient for most compact micro red dots like the Holosun 507C.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for home defense, practical shooting sports, or any situation requiring rapid follow-up shots. A shooter expecting the versatility of a standard bolt-action like the Stevens 334 or the rapid-fire capability of a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun will find the single-shot operation frustratingly slow. It is a specialist's tool, ill-suited for general-purpose use or as a primary firearm for anything beyond its niche of ultra-portable, single-shot precision.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete takedown rifle, including the barreled action and receiver, one 10-round magazine (used as a loading tray, not a feeding device), a takedown tool keyed to the barrel nut, and an owner's manual with compliance information. The package does not include optics, rings, a suppressor, or a soft case. The total shipping weight of the box is approximately 6.8 pounds, with 2.6 pounds dedicated to protective packaging and documentation.
Is the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway worth it at $417?
At $417, the Stowaway is worth it only if your primary criterion is a legally straightforward, factory-built rifle that achieves a sub-17-inch packed profile without NFA paperwork. This price point is justified by its specialized takedown machining, domestic manufacturing, and veteran-owned pedigree, not by features per dollar compared to a $450 multi-shot rifle. For the shooter who needs this exact capability—like a guide carrying a backup firearm in a territory with rifle-length restrictions—the value is clear. For everyone else, a traditional compact rifle or pistol will offer more utility.
Key attributes
| upc | 850061930040 |
| manufacturer | Dark Mountain Arms LLC |
| manufacturer part number | SA-120 |
| barrel length | 16.65" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 1 |
| shipping weight | 4.2 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- Yes, the 16.65-inch barrel is threaded 1/2″x28, which is the standard pitch for most 9mm pistol and rimfire suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air. Direct-thread mounts in this pattern will secure without issue, though I recommend using a fixed barrel spacer if your suppressor is designed for tilting-barrel pistols to prevent baffle strikes.
- Does it fit in a standard backpack?
- Absolutely, once disassembled. The two main components—barrel and receiver/stock—break down to a maximum length of under 17 inches, allowing it to fit diagonally in most 20-25L daypacks or vertically in a dedicated rifle scabbard compartment. The total package depth is roughly 5 inches when stowed, requiring minimal space.
- How long does shipping take?
- As an online-only product, shipping typically takes 3-5 business days for processing before carrier transit. Final delivery via common carriers like UPS or FedEx Ground adds another 3-7 business days depending on your location relative to the distributor's warehouse. Expect a total timeline of 7-12 business days from order to delivery for most continental U.S. addresses.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are highly restricted due to federal firearms regulations. You may be able to initiate a return for a manufacturer defect within 30 days, but it must be coordinated directly through the FFL that handled the transfer, not this retailer. Non-defective returns are virtually impossible once the firearm has been transferred to you, so be certain of your purchase before completing the 4473 form.
- Does this work with Glock 9mm magazines?
- No, it does not use a detachable box magazine for feeding. The included 10-round magazine is solely a loading aid; you must manually place a single round into the chamber. The action is a true single-shot, not a single-stack. This is a fundamental design limitation, not an oversight.
- Is the Picatinny rail suitable for a scope?
- The integrated rail section is only 3.5 inches long, which is sufficient for a compact red dot or a low-power pistol scope with a short footprint, but it is not long enough for a traditional riflescope with a standard mounting system. For magnified optics, you would need to add a dedicated extended base, which adds weight and negates some of the packability.