Description
Slug guns used to be an afterthought, a smoothbore with rifle sights and crossed fingers. The Savage 220 changed that conversation, and this thumbhole version is the sharpest looking one in the lineup. It runs a true bolt action, the same basic architecture Savage builds its centerfire rifles on, paired with a 22 inch button-rifled carbon steel barrel in a matte blued finish. The 1:24 twist is made for modern 20 gauge sabot slugs, and plenty of owners report groups around two inches or better at 100 yards once they find the load their barrel likes. For a shotgun, that is rifle territory.
Why the 220 Thumbhole Stock Earns Its Keep
The gray wood laminate thumbhole stock is more than good looks. Wrapping your thumb through the stock puts your trigger finger at a natural, relaxed angle and keeps your grip consistent from the bench to the treestand. Laminate is also stable in wet weather, so a soaked November morning will not shift your zero the way plain walnut can. Add the 13.75 inch length of pull and a 7.75 pound weight that soaks up 20 gauge recoil, and this is a comfortable gun to shoot well.
Set Up the Savage 220 Your Way
The AccuTrigger adjusts from 1.5 to 6 pounds with a simple tool, no gunsmith required, so you can dial in a crisp, clean break that matches how you hunt. Up top, the receiver wears a one-piece rail, ready for whatever slug scope or red dot you want to run. The oversized bolt handle is easy to grab with gloves on, and the detachable box magazine holds two rounds with a third in the chamber of this 3 inch gun.
For hunters who need a slug platform that shoots like their deer rifle, the 220 Thumbhole is one of the easiest recommendations in the case. Feed it quality sabots, spend an afternoon at the range finding its favorite, and it will hold up its end of the bargain come season.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Savage Arms
- Model: 220 Thumbhole
- MPN: 22313
- UPC: 011356223135
- Gauge: 20 Gauge, 3" Chamber
- Action: Bolt Action
- Barrel: 22" Button-Rifled Carbon Steel, Matte Blued
- Twist Rate: 1:24 RH
- Capacity: 2+1, Detachable Box Magazine
- Trigger: User-Adjustable AccuTrigger, 1.5 to 6 lbs
- Stock: Gray Wood Laminate Thumbhole, Pepper Finish
- Sights: One-Piece Rail, Optic Ready
- Overall Length: 43.5"
- Length of Pull: 13.75"
- Weight: 7.75 lbs
- Made In: USA
What’s Included
- Savage 220 Thumbhole bolt action slug gun
- One 2-round detachable box magazine
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
What ammo shoots best out of the Savage 220 Thumbhole?
The 22 inch barrel is fully rifled with a 1:24 twist, so it is built for sabot slugs rather than rifled Foster-style slugs. Quality 20 gauge sabots like Remington AccuTips, Federal sabots, and similar premium loads are what owners consistently get the best groups with. Try a few brands, since every barrel tends to have a favorite.
Does the Savage 220 Thumbhole come with sights or a scope?
No iron sights and no scope. The receiver comes fitted with a one-piece rail, so all you need are rings and the optic of your choice. A dedicated slug scope in the 2-7x or 3-9x range is a popular pairing for this gun.
How accurate is the 220 in 20 gauge?
This is the model that put bolt action slug guns on the map. With good sabot ammo and a properly mounted scope, groups around two inches at 100 yards are commonly reported, and some guns will do better than that. That makes it a legitimate 150 yard and beyond deer setup in the right hands.
Can I adjust the trigger on the Savage 220 myself?
Yes. The AccuTrigger is user adjustable from roughly 1.5 to 6 pounds using the included procedure in the manual, no gunsmith needed. Most folks settle somewhere in the 2.5 to 3.5 pound range for a crisp hunting trigger.




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