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Author Topic: Need info on Stevens 20 ga. double barrel  (Read 607 times)

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Offline oldtramrambler

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Need info on Stevens 20 ga. double barrel
« on: March 20, 2005, 04:54:42 AM »
I have a 20 ga. double-barrel shotgun which belonged to my father-in-law. It appears to be in very good condition, but I don't know anything about this gun.

The barrels are 28 inches long, including chambers. There is a top tang-mounded sliding safety switch. The hammers are not exposed, and there are two triggers. The receiver appears to be color case hardened and marked as follows.
On the right side:
J. Stevens Arms Company
Chicopee falls, Mass. USA
Patented April 20, 1915

On the left side:
STEVENS (and an engraved image of a goose in flight)

I'd like to know if this gun would be safe to use and what loads might be recommended for it.

Thanks to anyone who can give me any help.
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Offline Ramrod

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Need info on Stevens 20 ga. double barrel
« Reply #1 on: March 20, 2005, 09:18:36 AM »
Sounds like a 311. Good solid guns, but inexpensive. I would measure the chamber depth to make sure it's 3 inch. If so, it should be OK with any lead load, but stay away from steel.
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Offline Gun Runner

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Need info on Stevens 20 ga. double barrel
« Reply #2 on: March 20, 2005, 09:21:18 AM »
Sounds like the old stevens model 311, I have had several in 12 ga and they have always served me well. They were made in 12 ga 16 ga and 20 ga. and I think (dangeras at my age) .410. It would probably be safe to shoot, but it woundent hurt to have a gun smith take and eyeball at it.

Gun Runner
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Offline buffalobob

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Need info on Stevens 20 ga. double barrel
« Reply #3 on: March 20, 2005, 03:26:57 PM »
I have a Stevens 311 in .410, full and full,  3" chambers.  Ordered out of the Sears and Roebuck catalog in 1958 for $66.00.  My first gun and I still have it for sentimental reasons.   Killed lots of squirrels, rabbits, dove and quail and wood ducks with that gun.

 It still shoots well.  As Ramrod says - stay away from anything but lead shot, barrels back then were made of a softer steel than today and might not do well with harder metal shot.
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Offline oldtramrambler

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Need info on Stevens 20 ga. double barrel
« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2005, 01:17:54 AM »
Ramrod, Gun Runner, and buffalobob,

Thanks for your replies. I haven't been able to find a model number anywhere on the gun. Is it marked somewhere?

I was pretty sure from the overall good-looking condition of the gun that it would probably be safe to shoot, but I will take your advice and have a gunsmith check it out.

Thanks again to all,

oldtramrambler
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