WWII J. Stevens Savage Model 520-30 Trench Gun 12 GA Military Pump Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $3,425.00
LSB #: LSB251108XX006
Make: J. Stevens Arms Co.
Model: 520-30
Serial Number: 59330
Year of Manufacture: 1943-1945
Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Takedown Pump Action Shotgun w/ Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 20″
Choke: Fixed, Cylinder
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the bayonet lug assembly. The top of the receiver has a serrated sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with 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 front face of the wrist, visible when removed, is stamped “59330”. The stocks have even handling wear. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly in the buttstock. There are a few thin cracks around the front edges of the wrist. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, indicating that the stock has been cut. The plate has scattered wear including shape-wear at the heel and toe where it was fit to the shortened stock. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as altered.
Type of Finish: Brushed Blue
Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is no erosion, but there are some streaks of stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The most notable finish wear is in the left receiver flat where some minor surface erosion was mostly cleaned out. The bayonet adapter has a plum hue, typical of Stevens. There are scattered spots of minor oxidation. There are some light nicks and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Included is a canvas sling.
Our Assessment: John Browning filed a patent for a “hammerless” shotgun with a unique take-down barrel and locking breech block in 1903, it 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, slowly improved for the next few decades with the model 620 introducing a more modern rounded receiver. When America entered WWII, Stevens was 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 scarce opportunity for collectors to acquire a Stevens 520-30 Trench Gun with serial-matching parts and wear consistent with issue and service. The gun has 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. The stock has been shortened, but the gun otherwise remains in good condition with a nice bore and strong mechanics. The 520-30s are one of the less common trench gun models and this would be a neat one to add to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
-MA