Make: J. Stevens Arms Co.

Model: 520-30

Serial Number: 61239

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 "61239". The stocks have even handling wear. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly in the buttstock. There is a small loss in the bottom of the wrist at the front and a some thin cracks around the front edges of the wrist. The LOP measures 14" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear, more notable on the left edge, with generally well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Brushed Blue

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There are infrequent spots of minor erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. The tab for the action bar on the left of the barrel extension has broken off. The finish is thinning at all edges. Strongest finish is on the barrel under the heat shield and on the trigger guard. The heat shield and the S-marked bayonet lug assembly have some scattered minor surface erosion, the bayonet adapter has a plum hue, typical of Stevens. There is similar erosion along the top of the barrel and receiver behind the heat shield. The receiver shows an even color, appearing to have seen light polishing. There are some light nicks and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in 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: None.

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 tab for the action bar on the left of the barrel extension has broken off, but this mostly just requires extra care during re-assembly. The mechanics are otherwise quite good. 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!