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13 Best Scope For Savage 220 of 2026 To Handle Slug Recoil

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Treating a Savage 220 like a standard deer rifle usually leads to a frustrating surprise: a stovepiped hull stuck in the receiver. While this bolt gun delivers rifle-like accuracy, stiff 20-gauge shells need room to clear, and standard full-length rails routinely block the port. At the same time, the sharp, backward whip of heavy sabot slugs creates a punishing shock wave that can easily rattle fragile internal reticles loose and shove underbuilt rings out of alignment. A shifting zero wastes precious time at the bench, while short eye relief risks a painful cut on your eyebrow during cold morning hunts.

A dependable setup should deliver absolute confidence on a broadside buck past one hundred yards without worrying about mechanical jams. Achieving that balance requires choosing a shock-rated optic with generous eye relief and ejection clearance. Using a two-piece base or a relieved rail keeps the action open so spent hulls fly clear every time the bolt snaps back. Combine that clearance with rugged rings that withstand repetitive shotgun recoil, and the gun will hold zero through seasons of heavy firing. Here is how the top choices stack up for this dedicated slug gun.

1
  • ARS Mark

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    9.2
  • Brand
    EGW
2
  • ARS Mark

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    7.3
  • Brand
    CMJ Supply
3
  • ARS Mark

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    9.2
  • Brand
    EGW
4
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    7.9
  • Brand
    Gotical
5
  • ARS Mark

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    8.2
  • Brand
    Leupold
6
  • ARS Mark

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    8.8
  • Brand
    WOSUWENGE
7
  • ARS Mark

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    7.5
  • Brand
    WEAVER
8
  • ARS Mark

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    9.7
  • Brand
    EGW
9
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    7.6
  • Brand
    Outerimpact
10
  • ARS Mark

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    7.5
  • Brand
    TRINITY
11
  • ARS Mark

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    9.0
  • Brand
    Eastern Tactical Supply
12
  • ARS Mark

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    7.9
  • Brand
    Monstrum
13
  • ARS Mark

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    7.5
  • Brand
    Monstrum

Last update on 2026-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Does a standard Savage 110 rail fit the Savage 220 slug gun?

Not necessarily. While the Savage 220 shares design roots with centerfire bolt-action receivers, standard Savage 110 rails are built for rifle actions that may feature flat-back or round-back receiver geometry. In addition, standard rifle rails often span across the ejection port area. Dedicated mounts like the EGW Savage Shortened 220 Slug Gun Picatinny Rail Scope Mount 0 MOA (part 41101 or 41101-S) feature a shorter profile sized specifically for the shotgun receiver. Check your receiver screw layout and action shape before purchasing a standard rifle rail.

Will a full-length Picatinny rail cause spent 20-gauge hulls to stovepipe?

It can interfere with ejection. A continuous rifle rail spans across the open action, where bulky 20-gauge empty shells can strike the underside of the mount and bounce back into the loading port. Choosing a shortened mount such as the Evolution Gun Works Savage Shortened 220 Picatinny rail or a two-piece Weaver-style base leaves the ejection area clear. This gives fired hulls an unobstructed path during fast follow-up cycling.

How much eye relief is necessary for 20-gauge slug recoil?

You need enough eye relief to keep the rear optic bell well clear of your face under heavy recoil. Heavy 20-gauge slug loads generate forceful recoil that can drive the shotgun backward toward your brow. Exact eye relief measurements vary across individual optics, so verify the eye relief specifications in the manufacturer manual before mounting. Setting the scope at a safe distance also promotes clear sight alignment when mounting the gun quickly in the woods.

What scope base styles are available for the Savage 220?

Mount options include shortened one-piece Picatinny rails and two-piece Weaver-style bases. A one-piece option like the EGW Savage Shortened 220 Slug Gun Picatinny Rail Scope Mount 0 MOA (part 41101) gives you multiple ring placement slots without blocking the action. If you prefer a completely open port, a two-piece gloss blue Weaver-style mount base pairs front and rear receiver sections separately. Both styles secure your optic rings while preserving necessary ejection clearance.

Should you use a 0 MOA or 20 MOA scope base on a Savage 220?

A 0 MOA base is the practical choice for slug hunting. Mounts like the Outerimpact rounded receiver base and the EGW Shortened 220 rail feature 0 MOA elevation, which keeps your reticle centered at standard shotgun distances. A 20 MOA base, such as the EGW HD Savage Round Back Long Action rail, angles the optic forward for long-range centerfire bullet drop, which slug trajectories do not require. Sticking with a 0 MOA mount also simplifies ring height selection and ensures proper barrel clearance for mid-sized objective bells.

How do you verify receiver contour and screw thread fit?

Check whether your Savage receiver has a round-back or an older flat-back shape, and confirm the screw thread diameter. Mounts like the Leupold Rifleman base fit flat-back receivers, while mounts like the Gotical long action rail fit round-back receivers. Screw sizes also differ between platforms, with some models using 8-40 screws like the Hunting Scope Mount Pair Savage 110 8-40 matte black base. Confirm your shotgun receiver screw size and receiver profile in the owner manual to ensure the base mounts flush without stripping threads.

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John Timmons
WRITTEN BY
John Timmons
I'm an airgun enthusiast and I love nothing more than spending my time outdoors shooting targets. I'm always on the lookout for new airgun gear, and I love sharing my knowledge with others.