The Stevens 320 shotgun is a popular choice for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting, prized for its reliability and affordability. However, like any firearm, its functionality and user experience can be significantly improved with the right accessories. This guide explores a range of accessories designed to enhance the Stevens 320, focusing on safety, performance, and comfort.
Enhancing Safety and Handling:
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Sling Mounts and Tactical Slings: A quality sling is crucial for comfortable carrying and quick deployment. Look for sling mounts specifically designed for the Stevens 320, ensuring a secure and reliable attachment. A two-point sling offers the best balance of stability and maneuverability.
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Improved Safety Mechanisms: While the Stevens 320 incorporates standard safety features, some aftermarket options might offer enhanced safety features or improved ergonomics for easier access to the safety. Always prioritize safety when selecting any accessory.
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Recoil Pads: Shooting a shotgun, especially with heavier loads, can lead to significant recoil. A recoil pad significantly reduces felt recoil, improving comfort and allowing for faster follow-up shots. Choose a pad that fits snugly against the stock and provides adequate cushioning.
Boosting Performance and Functionality:
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Extended Magazines: Extended magazine tubes increase the capacity of your shotgun, providing more rounds before needing a reload. This is particularly advantageous for home defense or sporting clays. However, always check local laws and regulations concerning magazine capacity.
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Choke Tubes: Choke tubes control the shot pattern, affecting accuracy and range. Different chokes (e.g., cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, full) are ideal for various applications. Investing in a selection of choke tubes allows you to optimize your Stevens 320 for different types of shooting.
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Ghost Ring Sights or Red Dot Sights: Upgrading the sights can dramatically improve target acquisition. Ghost ring sights offer a quick and easy aiming solution, while red dot sights are ideal for close-quarters situations and faster target engagement. Choose a sight system that matches your shooting style and intended use.
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Pistol Grips and Forends: Ergonomic pistol grips and forends provide a more comfortable and secure hold on the shotgun. These upgrades can enhance control, especially during rapid firing or in challenging conditions.
Customizing Your Stevens 320:
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Stocks and Forends: The stock and forend are critical for proper fit and comfort. Consider replacing the factory stock with an aftermarket stock made of a different material (e.g., synthetic, wood) or featuring a different design to enhance ergonomics.
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Shell Carriers: Shell carriers attach to your shotgun and allow for quick and easy access to additional shells during a reload. This can be a significant advantage in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Choosing the Right Accessories:
Selecting the right accessories for your Stevens 320 requires careful consideration of your individual needs and shooting style. Consider the following factors:
- Intended use: Are you primarily using your shotgun for home defense, hunting, or sport shooting? Different applications call for different accessories.
- Budget: Accessories range in price, from inexpensive recoil pads to more costly red dot sights. Set a budget before you start shopping.
- Compatibility: Ensure any accessory you purchase is specifically designed for the Stevens 320 model you own. Manufacturer websites and reputable firearms retailers are excellent resources.
- Quality: Invest in high-quality accessories that are durable, reliable, and safe.
By carefully selecting and installing the right accessories, you can significantly enhance the performance, safety, and overall shooting experience of your Stevens 320 shotgun. Remember always to prioritize safety and ensure compliance with all local and federal laws and regulations when modifying your firearm.
