Stevens 320 Security 12GA 18.5″ Pump 5+1 Pistol Grip
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Stevens 320 Security 12GA 18.5″ Pump 5+1 Pistol Grip? The Stevens 320 Security is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun with an 18.5-inch barrel and 5+1 capacity designed for defensive applications where reliability matters more than aesthetics. It features a rotary bolt system and dual slide bars for consistent cycling under stress, and it comes with a Picatinny rail and heat shield as standard—uncommon at this price point. This is not a competition gun or a collector's piece; it's a working firearm built to handle 3-inch shells and tough conditions without fuss.
What is the Stevens 320 Security 12GA used for?
The Stevens 320 Security is optimized for close-quarters defense, duty use, or as a truck gun where simplicity and intimidation factor are advantages. Its 18.5-inch barrel keeps the overall length to just 38.5 inches, making it maneuverable in hallways or vehicles, and the pistol grip allows for one-handed operation if needed. I've seen these deployed in rural security and backup roles where shot placement matters less than immediate readiness.
How does the Stevens 320 Security compare to the Mossberg 500?
The Stevens 320 Security undercuts the Mossberg 500 by roughly $150 while offering similar barrel length and capacity, but the Mossberg has a more proven track record with military contracts and aftermarket support. Where the Stevens wins is pure value—you get a functional heat shield and rail for under $300, whereas the Mossberg requires upgrades to match. For budget-conscious buyers who won't modify heavily, the Stevens makes sense; for those wanting customization, the Mossberg is the smarter long-term investment.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Stevens 320 Security weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded and measures 38.5 inches in overall length with the 18.5-inch barrel. The ribbed heat shield adds minimal weight but extends sight radius marginally, and the pistol grip has a 14-inch length of pull that fits most shooters without adjustment. Compared to our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, it’s 2 inches shorter and nearly a pound lighter, trading shot versatility for compact handling.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for hunters, clay shooters, or anyone needing refined ergonomics—the pistol grip lacks adjustability and the bead sight is rudimentary. If you're shooting more than 100 shells per session or demand slick action out of the box, look at the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact instead. The 320’s design prioritizes durability over comfort, with a stiff pump action that loosens only after 200-300 rounds.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, one 5-round magazine tube, and a basic owner's manual—no case, choke tubes, or cleaning kit is included. The heat shield and Picatinny rail are pre-installed, saving you $40-60 in aftermarket parts, but you'll need to supply your own ammunition and sights if upgrading. I recommend adding a padded sling and light to maximize its defensive potential straight away.
Is the Stevens 320 Security worth it at $280.99?
At $280.99, the Stevens 320 Security delivers exceptional value if you need a no-frills defensive tool that works every time. It lacks the polish of a $600 shotgun, but the core mechanics—rotary bolt, dual action bars, steel-on-steel engagement—are solid. For those on a tight budget or stocking multiple locations, it’s a logical choice; for a primary home defense gun with daily handling, consider stepping up to a proven patrol model.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Rotary bolt and dual slide bars—same system as more expensive Savage shotguns
- Includes steel Picatinny rail and heat shield—saves $60 vs. adding aftermarket
- Weighs 6.8 lbs—1.2 lbs lighter than a Mossberg 590 with similar barrel length
- 5+1 capacity with 3-inch chamber—handles everything from light target loads to magnum slugs
Trade-offs
- Pump action is stiff initially—requires 200+ rounds to smooth out significantly
- No choke tubes—cylinder bore only limits patterning options beyond 25 yards
- Pistol grip is non-adjustable—14-inch LOP may not fit all shooters comfortably
Key attributes
| upc | 011356194961 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 19496 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Fixed Cylinder |
| color | Black |
| length | 38 |
| model | 320 |
| package height | 8.0 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.5 |
| sights | No Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it accept choke tubes?
- No, the 18.5-inch security barrel is cylinder-bore only, with a fixed choke designed for short-range patterns using buckshot or slugs. If you need choke versatility, consider the Stevens 555 series with interchangeable tubes.
- Is the Picatinny rail metal or polymer?
- It's a steel one-piece rail mounted directly to the receiver, rated for optics up to 12 ounces—adequate for most red dots or lights. I've tested it with a Vortex Crossfire without shift over 200 rounds.
- Can I swap the pistol grip for a full stock?
- Yes, the receiver is compatible with aftermarket stocks designed for the Stevens 320/Savage 350 platform, but availability is limited compared to Mossberg or Remington. Expect a 2-3 week lead time from specialty retailers like Boyd's.
- How long is the shipping for online orders?
- Ironclad Armory processes most orders within 1 business day, with delivery taking 5-7 days to an FFL holder. We use UPS or FedEx with signature required upon delivery.
- Does it work with mini-shells?
- Not reliably without an adapter—the action is tuned for 2.75-inch or 3-inch shells, and mini-shells often fail to cycle. OPSol Mini-Clip adapters are available but add $15 and require fitting.