Savage 220 Slug Gun 20 Gauge 22in Bolt-Action
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Savage 220 Slug Gun 20 Gauge 22in Bolt-Action? It's a purpose-built, bolt-action shotgun engineered to deliver rifle-grade accuracy with modern 20-gauge sabot slugs, a specialized tool that bridges the gap between traditional shotguns and dedicated slug guns. It leverages a solid locking lug bolt action and a rifled barrel to stabilize heavy single projectiles instead of spreading shot. This platform was specifically designed for jurisdictions with straight-wall cartridge regulations or for hunters who require the terminal authority of a slug but the mechanical consistency of a rifle action.
What is the Savage 220 Slug Gun used for?
The Savage 220 is used for precision hunting and shooting of large game with slugs at ranges exceeding 150 yards. Its primary application is for deer and hog hunting in states or regions that mandate or are optimal for shotguns, particularly those requiring straight-wall cartridges or limiting rifle use. The bolt-action system provides repeatable shot placement critical for ethical, long-range shots with a slug, making it far superior to a smoothbore shotgun with a rifled choke tube for this specific task.
How does the Savage 220 compare to a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun?
The Savage 220 is superior for precision slug work, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge is better for wingshooting and clay targets. The 220's fixed, button-rifled 22-inch barrel and single-projectile focus deliver tighter groups at range, whereas the 555's dual smoothbore barrels are designed to pattern shot. For a shooter whose primary goal is hitting a deer's vitals at 100 yards with a Foster slug, the 220 is the unequivocal tool; for breaking clays or hunting birds, the 555 is the correct choice.
What does it weigh and what are its dimensions?
The Savage 220 weighs 7.3 pounds unloaded and measures 42.5 inches in overall length. The barrel itself is 22 inches long with a 1-in-24 twist rate, a profile optimized for stabilizing 20-gauge sabot slugs without becoming unwieldy in a blind or thick brush. With a typical 2-7x33mm optic mounted, the total weight climbs to approximately 8.1 pounds, still manageable for a dedicated slug gun meant for deliberate, supported shots rather than snap shooting.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for general-purpose bird hunting, home defense, or clay sports. If you need a versatile shotgun for waterfowl, upland game, or recreational trap, a pump-action or semi-automatic like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is a more practical and economical choice. The 220’s single-shot nature per magazine (with a typical 2-round capacity) and rifled barrel that will degrade shot patterns make it a poor choice for any application requiring multiple rapid shots or spread shot.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action, the synthetic AccuStock, one 2-round detachable box magazine, one-piece Weaver-style optic rail, and basic owner's manual. Expect no sling, swivels, optic, or case from the factory. The rail is pre-installed, torqued to 18 inch-pounds, saving you the first step in mounting a scope. Magazine insertion and release are stiff out of the box but loosen with about 50 cycles of dry practice.
Is the Savage 220 Slug Gun worth it at $638.99?
At $638.99, the Savage 220 is worth it for a hunter who needs verifiable, sub-2 MOA accuracy with slugs from a dedicated shotgun platform. Compared to the cost of modifying a smoothbore shotgun with a cantilever rifled barrel and a new stock, the 220 presents a complete, optimized system at a competitive price point. For someone facing legal restrictions on rifles for deer, this gun's mechanical precision justifies its cost over a less accurate pump-action slug gun alternative.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- AccuTrigger is user-adjustable from 2.5 to 6 pounds – a 3.5-pound range of adjustability for precise control.
- Button-rifled 22-inch barrel with 1-in-24 twist stabilizes modern sabot slugs for groups under 2 MOA.
- AccuFit system provides 1.5 inches of length-of-pull adjustment and 0.75 inches of comb height adjustment for a custom fit.
- Standard Weaver-style optic rail is pre-installed and torqued to factory spec, saving immediate gunsmithing costs.
Trade-offs
- Detachable magazine capacity is only 2 rounds – one less than some competing slug guns, requiring more frequent reloading.
- Synthetic stock has a hollow, resonant feel and sound; applying a dense foam fill adds approximately 4 ounces but improves perceived quality.
- Oversized bolt handle provides positive grip but can snag on brush or blind frames more easily than a low-profile knob.
- Action is stiff when new; requires a deliberate 60-degree bolt lift and significant force for the first 100 cycles before smoothing out.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356573773 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 57377 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black |
| length | 49 |
| model | 220 |
| number of magazines | 1 2 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 8.5 |
| package width | 3.75 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 10.47 |
| sights | Optic Ready |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 20-gauge rifled choke tubes?
- No. The Savage 220 features a permanently fixed, button-rifled barrel designed exclusively for sabot or rifled slugs. It cannot accept choke tubes of any kind. Attempting to fire shot through this barrel will produce highly erratic, poor patterns and is not recommended.
- Does the AccuTrigger interfere with a gloved trigger pull?
- Potentially. The AccuTrigger’s adjustable blade safety sits within the trigger shoe. With thick winter gloves, you may inadvertently depress the blade but not the main trigger. For cold-weather hunting, I recommend setting the trigger pull to its factory default of approximately 4 pounds and practicing the motion with your specific gloves.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms like the Savage 220 within 2 business days. Transit time via FedEx or UPS ground service averages 3-5 business days to your chosen FFL. You will receive tracking information and your FFL's contact details via email once the shipment label is created.
- Can I return it if I don't like the fit?
- No. Due to federal regulations, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns or exchanges on firearms after the transfer to your FFL is complete. We strongly recommend reviewing the AccuFit system specifications and consulting with a qualified gunsmith if you have significant concerns about length-of-pull or comb height adjustments before purchase.
- Does this work with a 20-gauge Brenneke or Foster slug?
- Yes, but with a key distinction. The 1-in-24 rifled barrel will stabilize both sabot slugs (designed for rifled barrels) and traditional Foster/Brenneke slugs. However, for best accuracy, use premium sabot slugs. Expect groups with Foster slugs to open to 3-4 inches at 75 yards compared to the 1.5-inch groups possible with optimized sabots.
- What scope base is required?
- No additional base is required. The receiver is drilled, tapped, and comes with a proprietary one-piece Savage rail already installed. This rail uses a standard Weaver-style dovetail interface, compatible with an enormous range of rings from companies like Warne, Leupold, and Burris.