Make: J. Stevens Arms Co.

Model: 520-30

Serial Number: 55843

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 "58752". The stocks have even minor handling wear. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly in the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear, a few more notable marks on the left edge, and well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as, at least partially, not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Brushed Blue

Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The receiver tangs are matching, we were not able to remove the barrel assembly to inspect the barrel extension's serial marking.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There are infrequent tiny 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 appears to have been braze-repaired or reinforced. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is fairly evenly scattered finish wear, more notable on the magazine tube from the slide. Worn areas have mostly gone to a light patina. The heat shield has strong finish and the S-marked bayonet lug assembly has a plum hue, typical of the Stevens anodized bayonet adapters. 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-plus condition.

Mechanics: Possibly due to the brazing on the barrel extension, we were not able to remove the barrel assembly from the receiver, the action bar hood does not disengage from the bolt assembly. Otherwise, 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: A leather sling is included.

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 that appears to have remained in service for some time. 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. This example has had its stock replaced, but the stock is also in the correct serial range. There is a repair to the barrel extension which we believe is preventing the removal of the barrel assembly, but it otherwise retains 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!