J Stevens 520-30 Trench Gun -
With a bit of work on it. (Based on the research I've done.)
A John Moses Browning design. The 520A/520-30 was a wartime production 1940-1945 Military Trench and Riot 12ga. Pump Shotgun. Based on the fact that Mine has the P and Flaming Bomb on both sides of the receiver, has 12ga. Proof Tested 2 3/4" on the left side of the barrel and the J Stevens Arms & address on the Right side of the barrel, has a sling swivel stud installed (the correct one) in the butt denotes it as a "Trench Gun." Made late 43' early 44'. Capable of "Slam Fire" action.
It has had (all work seems to have been done by a very competent Gunsmith) the barrel shortened by 1", (19", not the 20" it should have) Rifle sights added. (Very nice ones I might add.) Rear fold down, front can be drifted and has a brass visibility bb on the back.) Front sling swivel installed. Rear butt shortened by one inch ( as determined by photo's that show the sling swivel plate 1"" from the end of the butt, and a redhead recoil pad installed to bring the correct LOP back. It has the correct M1907 US Property stamped leather sling in excellent cond. included.
Underside of front end of the barrel has the barrel indentations it would have took to install the Bayonet lug with the screws transversing the underside of the barrel. The Bayonet lug and heat shield have been removed. (Too bad because these parts are $800+) All in all a very interesting journey in to the history of this fine, (excellent cond.) Handy little Pump 12 ga. I aqcuired a few years back for less than $500 if memory serves me.
Had forgot I owned it, found it in the back of my safe yesterday.
Comments
Nice
Sorry for the 1st abbreviated post Rob. I have to post a couple words, then come back and edit on a New discussion, or it will lock up every single time. I've not figured out why yet. The rest of the info. is there now.
This is one that I do not believe came through you Ricci. It is a Very nice Riot pump. I have a few. "Hi, my name is Ken, and I am an addict."
I believe you have "Spine" envy. 😉
The stock is the correct Linseed oil dipped ("for 5 sec.") Matte Walnut. No varnish.
The 520A/520-30 Receiver is a very unique Monolithic block similar to a Browning A5 in appearance. Research also indicates this is a "Take down." I still need to look into, and figure that out. I have a video yet to watch on that.
Appreciate you Toolman, but that is a 520, or a 620. Not a 520-30. Different animal and receiver configuration. Sportsmans configuration, not the Military issued model. Receiver on the 520-30 looks just like a monolithic A5. (And) The Military versions had 20" barrels, and non-checkered stocks.
Still, a nice firearm Brother. Thanks for the post.
No offense meant. But as a long time collector of military firearms. Anytime they have been substantially altered, from their factory original condition. Their value to a collector is severally diminished. To the point they have no collectors value. And can only be classed as a "shooter". Unfortunately, I been there, done that, a number of times when I was a active collector.
Understood that when my research uncovered the changes done to this Weapon, however well executed rufe-snow. No offense inferred.
I hear you Trap. I thought I just had a Mil. Issued Riot Pump, until I started researching - and then I went "Nnnoooohhh.................................."
Who does that to a Trench gun? I know about the prices for an authentic one. Researched that also.
Slaps hand to forehead.
At least it is not a Bubba job. Very professionally executed.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/875652770
Hard to believe that any 520, let alone a hardware gun. Fetching $390. But with Joe the grouper, and his pinko friends on the near horizon. Not surprising. I imagine, that anything viable for home defense, is in play nowadays. No matter how questionable?