If we’re talking survival, few items are as essential as a reliable, compact firearm. And if we’re talking cool, few items are as fun as a suppressed takedown. Dark Mountain, a veteran-owned company, designed their Stowaway series to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and really anyone looking for lightweight, packable firearms.
These single-shot firearms aren’t just ultralight — they’re adaptable, suppressor-ready, and easy to break down for transportation. We got handsy in order to explore the features, practical applications, and real-world performance of the Stowaway series of firearms.
Available in rifle, pistol, and “brace”/SBR configurations, the absolute standout feature of the Dark Mountain Stowaway is its packable design. The rifle has a legal-minimum barrel length of 16 inches, and can be taken down into two parts, reducing its total length to less than 17 inches. This makes it ideal for packing into backpacks during long hikes, camping trips, or survival situations. Despite its small footprint, the rifle can be assembled in less than 30 seconds, making it quick to deploy when needed.
Weighing just over 4 pounds, even with an optic attached, the Stowaway Rifle remains incredibly light without compromising its durability. Its minimalistic design makes it easy to carry for extended periods, and the threaded barrel allows for the attachment of suppressors or other barrel accessories, adding to its versatility. The ½x28 thread pitch ensures compatibility with a wide range of accessories, including compensators and flash hiders.
DARK MOUNTAIN ARMS STOWAWAY SPECS
- Caliber: 5.7×28 (9mm conversions available)
- Barrel Length: 16.65 inches (rifle), 7.1 inches (pistol)
- Overall Length: 31.78 inches (rifle with stock), 11.5 inches (pistol), 22.25 inches (SBR)
- Weight: 2.8 pounds (rifle), 2 pounds (pistol)
- MSRP: Starts at $389
CALIBER SWAPPING
Another versatile feature is its ability to swap calibers easily. By changing out the bolt face and barrel, you can quickly adjust the Stowaway to suit different needs. This adaptability makes it particularly appealing to survivalists who may need to shift between calibers based on the availability of ammunition, or for those who simply don’t want to remain married to a single caliber.
The rifle comes optics-ready, equipped with a Picatinny rail that allows you to attach a variety of sighting systems. We mounted the Primary Arms GLx 1x MicroPrism for testing the rifle, an optic with clarity and wide field of view. This optic also complements the rifle’s lightweight and compact design perfectly, adding a mere 9.1 ounces to the total weight. When paired with the GLx, the combined weight of the Stowaway Rifle and optic remained well under 5 pounds, a significant advantage for those trekking long distances with their gear.
Its ability to attach a suppressor makes the Stowaway Rifle a top choice for small-game hunting, particularly in scenarios where stealth is critical. The bolt-action design means there’s no sound from the action or bolt unlocking, and when paired with a good silencer and the right ammo, you’d be hard pressed to find a better host. Whether you’re hunting rabbits, squirrels, or other small game in a survival situation, the ability to reduce noise is invaluable. A suppressed shot is less likely to alert other animals, giving you a better chance at landing multiple kills in a single outing. And nothing brings the giggles like a quiet, fun shooter. Even a single-shot one.
STOWAWAY PISTOL & SBR
While the Stowaway Rifle offers a balance between portability and power, the Stowaway Pistol pushes the concept even further. This bolt-action pistol is designed to be just as packable and versatile as the rifle. The barrel is removable, making it easy to break down and stow in a small pack or compartment. Despite its large format, the pistol remains easy to handle, particularly for close-range encounters.
During testing, the SIG Sauer Romeo-MSR was mounted on the pistol’s Picatinny rail. The optic’s lightweight design paired well with the pistol, adding minimal bulk while providing clear, parallax-free sighting. We found the Romeo to be a good choice for the Stowaway Pistol, as it added only 4.9 ounces to the total weight, keeping the pistol light and maneuverable.
Like the rifle, the pistol comes threaded 1/2×28 for suppressors, making it a great option for discrete, close-range shooting. This is particularly useful in situations where you may need to shoot without drawing attention, or where you’re hunting small game and want to remain as quiet as possible.
Caliber swaps are just as easy with the pistol as with the rifle, offering the same flexibility to change out the barrel and bolt face. This adaptability means that, much like the rifle, the Stowaway Pistol can be tailored to different situations, whether you need a higher-velocity round for hunting or a smaller caliber for target shooting.
The pistol can also be upgraded with a 1913 Style Adapter kit, which allows the shooter to add a stock for improved stability and control. This is an excellent option for those who want to maximize the pistol’s performance for more precise shooting.
PERFORMANCE AND REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS
When testing both firearms at the range, we were impressed with the balance and performance, especially given the lightweight nature of both setups. One unique aspect of the Stowaway Pistol is its left-side bolt placement, which can be a little awkward for right-handed shooters. Placing your support thumb on the charging handle, while resting the shooting thumb on top, resolves this issue and allows for smoother operation. It’s a minor adjustment, but one that’s important to get used to if you plan to use the pistol regularly.
Every configuration of the Stowaway we used was a reliable, lightweight option that could be easily packed away until needed. Their single-shot design certainly isn’t ideal for a high-threat scenarios, but it can encourage precision and patience.
The ability to quickly swap calibers makes the Stowaway very versatile. And with their suppressor-ready barrels, you can operate more stealthily in the field, a critical feature when trying to avoid detection.
RECREATIONAL USE
Though designed for survival, these firearms are also well-suited for recreational shooting. Their low recoil and ease of handling make them ideal for younger or less-experienced shooters, while their compact designs make them fun and convenient for backpacking trips, camping, or off-the-grid excursions. With price points under $400, they’re also affordable enough to be enjoyed by a wide range of users.
LOOSE ROUNDS
Both the Dark Mountain Stowaway Rifle and Pistol are perfect examples of how modern firearms can be designed for portability, adaptability, and performance, all at an affordable price. These firearms are designed to be companions for campers, overlanders, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Their ultralight weight, suppressor readiness, and optics compatibility make them versatile solutions for a variety of scenarios. Whether you’re planning an extended backcountry trip or simply preparing for the unexpected, these firearms strike the right balance between features and performance.
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