WWII J. Stevens Model 520-30 Trench Gun Style 12 GA 20″ Pump Shotgun C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,400.00
LSB#: LSB260216DM051
Make: J. Stevens Arms Co.
Model: 520-30
Serial Number: 43429
Year of Manufacture: 1940-1947 / C&R
Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Takedown Pump Action Shotguns with Tubular Magazines
Barrel Length: 20”
Choke: Fixed, Cylinder
Sights / Optics: There is a front sight bead hole at the front of the bayonet lug assembly. There is another front sight hole in the barrel at the muzzle. 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 several repaired cracks around the wrist. The LOP measures 13 7/8” 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 Fair condition as repaired and refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion. There are small dents on the bottom of the barrel from the installed heat shield. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. There are matching serial numbers on the bottom tang and side of the top tang. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered little nicks and scratches. There are some areas of thinning. There are a few areas of surface frost. The heat shield and bayonet lug have worn mostly to white with scattered mottled patina and erosion. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Good 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: This shotgun comes with a Model 1913 (1917 Dated) Bayonet with Scabbard. The rear of the scabbard is marked “GF” within an oval on the metal. One side of the tang is marked “1917” over a “W” within a circle. The other side of the tang is marked with grenade and eagle head along with an “X”. The Bayonet and Scabbard rate in Very Good condition. The tip of the bayonet has been sharpened.
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 520-30 was made around the WWII era and has since been modified to look like an original Trench Gun. The dead giveaway is the front sight hole drilled in the top of the barrel. Though the markings appear genuine, this is a great representation of a Trench Gun and will make a great addition to a collection or a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.