J. Stevens Arms US Marked Matching 520-30 12 Ga. Shotgun, MFD 1942-1945 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1930

LSB#: 210527BB01

Make: J. Stevens Arms Co.

Model: 520-30

Serial Number: 69880

Year of Manufacture: 1942-1945

Caliber: 12 Ga. 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun w/ Mag Tube

Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “J. STEVENS ARMS COMPANY / DIVISION OF SAVAGE ARMS CORPORATION / CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “PROOF TESTED–12 GAUGE / –2 3/4 INCH CHAMBER”. The lower tang is marked “69880”. The right side of the shank is marked with a “P” proof and a flaming bomb ordnance mark. The top of the shank and receiver are marked with a “P” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked with a “P” proof, a flaming bomb ordnance, “MOD. 520-30”, and “U S”. The front of the trigger guard “M” and “S”.

Barrel Length: 20”

Choke: Fixed, Cylinder

Sights / Optics: The shotgun is mounted with a small round bead at the front of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece wood with a smooth forearm, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and a serrated black hard rubber buttplate. There is a sling loop in the belly and at the rear of the bayonet lug. The buttstock shows some scattered nicks, draglines, and scuffs with the most notable of these on the belly. The buttstock is shy to the receiver and buttplate. The forearm has been sanded. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows some nicks and scratches and light material loss at the toe, and is also loose. Overall, the stocks rate in about Good-Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is dim with heavy erosion and pitting.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its current metal refinish. The receiver shows older erosion under the current finish. There are nicks and scratches throughout the metal. There is some grease on the heat shield and the top of the bayonet lug metal. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly tool marked and serviceable. The markings are faded but but legible. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fair condition as refinished. (See Mechanics)

Mechanics: The slide cannot be cocked after the trigger is pulled unless the slide release is pressed. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Stevens Model 520 was a pump-action shotgun developed by John Browning and originally manufactured by the J Stevens Arms & Tool Company between 1909 and 1916. Stevens was sold to New England Westinghouse on 28 May 1915 and production of civilian firearms was greatly reduced. The company was renamed the “J Stevens Arms Company” on 1 July 1916 and New England Westinghouse used their manufacturing facility in Chicopee Falls, MA to produce Mosin-Nagant rifles under contract for the Russian Czar during World War I. After the war, Stevens was sold to Savage Arms on 1 April 1920 and full production of civilian firearms resumed. Under Savage ownership, Model 520 production continued until 1939. Stevens once again halted civilian production to make guns for WWII. The 520As were produced for the war effort as 520-30s in trench, riot and long-barreled training setup. This is a whole other topic in itself. Bruce Canfield provides excellent descriptions of these guns in his “Complete Guide to US Military Combat Shotguns”. This example has been refinished and needs a little work so perhaps this is a project for your undertaking. Please see our photos and good luck!

J. Stevens Arms US Marked Matching 520-30 12 Ga. Shotgun, MFD 1942-1945 C&R
J. Stevens Arms US Marked Matching 520-30 12 Ga. Shotgun, MFD 1942-1945 C&R