On a recent visit to my parents' house, I got reaquainted with my great grandfather's Stevens 16 gauge side by side. I remember it from my childhood (I killed my first game with it), but realized that I don't really know anything about it. I was wondering if anyone knows about that company's history, and could give me some information about that gun, or at least point me in the right direction. I know that it is old and has been in the family for at least 4 generations now (including me). It's a model 311a with walnut stock, color-case hardened receiver, and double triggers. I think the barrels are either 26 or 28 inches. I was not able to find a serial number, so I can't give that. There is no screw or take-down lever on the forarm.
Also, I'd like to hunt with it again, but it hasn't been fired in several years, and so I wanted to know how to check to see if it is still in good working order. It breaks open cleany, the safety works, and the triggers still break cleanly. I assume the best option is really to take it to a gunsmith, but are there any things that average person (me) can do to check it out? It means a lot to me and dad and we'd love to use it again, but don't want to hurt it or ourselves. Any info and advice would be great. Thanks!
