The Stevens Model 320 12 gauge shotgun is a popular choice for both home defense and recreational shooting, thanks to its reliability and affordability. But to truly maximize its potential, consider investing in the right accessories. This comprehensive guide explores a range of Stevens Model 320 12 gauge accessories to enhance your shooting experience, from improving accuracy and comfort to boosting your tactical capabilities. We'll cover everything from simple upgrades to more advanced modifications.
Enhancing Accuracy and Performance
Improving accuracy and handling is key to getting the most out of your Stevens 320. Several accessories directly address these needs:
Adjustable Sights
The factory sights on the Stevens 320 are functional, but upgrading to adjustable sights offers significant advantages. Adjustable sights allow you to dial in your point of impact for different distances and ammunition types. Consider:
- Ghost Ring Sights: These offer a fast sight picture ideal for close-quarters situations.
- Fiber Optic Sights: These provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
Pro Tip: When choosing sights, ensure they are compatible with your specific Stevens 320 model (e.g., pump-action or semi-automatic).
Extended Magazine Tubes
Increasing your magazine capacity is a significant advantage in certain shooting disciplines and home defense scenarios. Extended magazine tubes allow you to carry more rounds without compromising the firearm's handling characteristics. However, remember to check your local laws regarding magazine capacity restrictions before purchasing.
Aftermarket Stocks and Forends
The standard stock and forend of the Stevens 320 are comfortable enough, but upgrading can significantly improve your shooting experience. Consider:
- Adjustable Stocks: Allow for a customized fit to your body type, improving comfort and accuracy.
- Tactical Stocks: Often feature pistol grips, cheek rests, and other features for enhanced handling and stability.
- Improved Forends: Some aftermarket forends provide a more ergonomic grip and improved handling.
Boosting Tactical Capabilities
For those using the Stevens 320 for home defense or tactical applications, certain accessories are essential:
Lights and Lasers
Mounting a light and/or laser to your shotgun greatly increases your effectiveness in low-light conditions. Consider:
- Weapon Lights: Provide illumination for target identification and navigation. Choose a light with enough lumens for your needs and that is securely attached.
- Laser Sights: Aid in quick target acquisition, especially at close range. A red or green laser is available depending on your preference.
Safety First: Always practice proper firearm safety procedures when using lights and lasers.
Sling Mounts and Tactical Slings
A good sling allows for hands-free carrying and tactical manipulation of the firearm. Sling mounts can be attached to the stock and/or forend of the Stevens 320, providing attachment points for various sling types. Choose a sling suitable for your intended use; single-point slings are great for quick deployment, while two-point slings offer more stability.
Shell Carriers
Quickly reloading your shotgun under stress is crucial. Shell carriers attach to the firearm or your gear, providing quick access to additional shells when needed. Several options exist, from simple side-saddle carriers to more advanced tactical shell carriers that integrate into other gear.
Enhancing Comfort and Reliability
Beyond tactical upgrades, you can focus on user comfort and gun reliability:
Recoil Pads
Reducing recoil is paramount for comfortable shooting, especially with powerful 12-gauge loads. Aftermarket recoil pads absorb recoil energy, reducing felt recoil and improving your shooting experience.
Improved Trigger Groups
While not always necessary, some aftermarket trigger groups can improve the trigger pull of the Stevens 320, enhancing accuracy and shot placement. This requires a moderate level of gunsmithing skills, however, and is best performed by a qualified professional.
Case Study: Upgrading for Home Defense
Let's look at a practical example. Imagine you're upgrading your Stevens 320 for home defense. A priority would be:
- A weapon light: To identify threats in low-light conditions.
- An extended magazine tube: To increase ammunition capacity.
- A tactical sling: For hands-free carrying and quick deployment.
- Adjustable sights: To ensure accurate shots even in stressful situations.
This configuration balances increased firepower and usability without making the firearm excessively cumbersome.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Stevens Model 320 Accessories
Choosing the right accessories for your Stevens Model 320 depends entirely on your individual needs and intended use. Whether you're focusing on hunting, competition, or home defense, a careful selection of accessories will significantly improve your experience and the capabilities of your firearm. Remember always to prioritize safety and legality when modifying your shotgun. Research thoroughly before purchasing and ensure all modifications are compatible with your specific model.