J Stevens Model 311

[gus-1]

I have a what I believe to be a model 311 in 16 gauge side by side. I am unsure of its age but know it was my grandfathers gun. The serial number on the gun is 2489g. Looking for some assistance in finding the actual age and rough value idea. Its in good working order and good condition.

Thanks

 

[Oldnamvet]

Stevens made a variety of model 311 guns. There was the 311, and then the A, C, D, E, F, H, and J/R variations. Does yours have the tenite (type of early plastic) stock and single trigger? Most of the various 311 models have a value of around $500 in excellent condition down to about $200 in poor condition. This is according to the 2006 edition of the Standard Catalog of Firearms. I have no other data.

 

[rem1187a]

As for the value around here (michigan) around 400 if almost perfect.250 to 300 good condition. As for the age more, if you can give all the markings found on the gun we can give you an idea of the age. If you want the exact age I have the address of a gentleman who is supposed to have older stevens records but he charges $15. I have never used the service so user beware.

 

[stevehaun]

I believe what I am telling you is accurate. If not, it is very close. All guns without serial numbers on the side of the reciever are pre 1970. Guns with numbers and letters on the bottom of the reciever in front of the trigger guard are made between 1949 and 1969. The letter corresponds with a year. a=1949, b=1950, c=1951, etc. I believe your gun was made in 1955. I am sure someone will be along to clarify what I have told you.
steve h

 

[gus-1]

It has no plastic and has twin triggers. It is in good shape. The serial numbers are stamped in the floor plate area and are only visable when the gun is broken down. It is also stamped on the interior of the wood on the foregrip and on the ejector spring framing that fits into the foregrip

 

[Ed/Pa]

I dont believe your looking at any type of serial numbers, more like assembly numbers. Early Stevens models carried no serial numbers and if I had to guess I'd venture to say your gun was made between 1933-40. As for value, I've seen them anywhere between 275 to 475 of course those dont equate to what the gun is actually worth to you, if it belonged to a family member.

 

[halvey]

I dont believe your looking at any type of serial numbers, more like assembly numbers.

I've had 20+ 311's over the years and Ed is absoutely right. Those are not serial numbers. On the underside of the action, there should be a little letter - you may need a magnyfing glass to see it. The letter corresponds to the year.

If it says "J Stevens" and not just "Stevens" it's definitely a pre-1940 gun.

Any gun made after the 1968 Gun Control act will have a serial number on the side of the receiver. Stevens never, and I mean never, put a serial number on 311's until they were required to do so. So if you find a 311 with a serial number and someone is telling you it was made before 1968, they are full of it.