WWII J. Stevens Model 520-30 Trench Gun 12 GA 20″ Pump Action Shotgun C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,500.00
LSB#: 240423SB003
Make: J. Stevens Arms Co.
Model: 520-30
Serial Number: 68147
Year of Manufacture: 1943-1945
Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Takedown Pump Action Shotguns with Tubular Magazines
Barrel Length: 20”
Choke: Fixed, Cylinder
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead at the front of the bayonet lug assembly. The top of the receiver has a serrated sighting planes.
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. There are a few little marks in the wood and minor compressions. There is a tiny chip on the left side of the wrist at the receiver. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear with well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion. In my opinion, this bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are matching serial numbers on the bottom tang, side of the top tang, front face of the wrist of the buttstock, and barreled portion of the takedown receiver. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered little nicks and hairline scratches. There are some areas of thinning. There are a few areas of surface frost. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotguns can be slam-fired as designed. We did not fire these shotguns. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: John Browning filed a patent for a “hammerless” shotgun with a unique take-down barrel and locking breech block on 10 Jul 1903, it was approved on 7 Feb 1905 and along with a separate 27 Aug 1907 patent, which applied to the connection between the slide arm and the fore end, became what would be the Stevens Model 520 shotgun. The same design would also be used for brand-name guns made for Western Field and Sears and would slowly be developed and improved for the next few decades with the model 620 introducing a more modern rounded receiver shape. When the United States entered WWII, Stevens was one of the manufacturers called upon to produce arms for the military, and many of the 520/620 shotguns would be used for aerial gunnery training, recreation, guards and MPs.
This is a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a Stevens 520-30 Trench Gun in sharp condition! The gun has all of the proper markings and is in the proper serial range for U.S. purchased 520-30 trench guns, with the barrel markings behind the heat shields being a dead giveaway that they are genuine, as well as the typical plum hue to the bayonet lug, characteristic of the Stevens trench guns. This is a truly exceptional 520 that will add to even the most advanced collections. The 520-30s are one of the less common trench gun models and don’t show up every day, make this one yours! Please see our photos and good luck!
