New to me: Savage 311 12 Ga SxS

[Tyril]

Hey everyone.

I was at a gunshow in Fredericksburg today, and absolutely fell in love with a 311A. I went in there looking for a trap/skeet gun, but ended up with this old warhorse for $275. A little much perhaps, but I'm allowed the occational emotional purchase. =)

Its a 12 Ga SxS with 30" barrels measured from the rear end of the chambers. Plain blond wood stock and forearm, double triggers, automatic safety, 2 3/4" chambers, extractors (but no ejectors), tapered rib, and case hardened reciever.

It looks a little rough, but locks up tight. And! It fits me! It is the first shotgun I've owned, but I have tried out a large number of common models.

I would love to have it dated, if anyone knows anything about this model. Very few markings:

Right Side: "Model 311A"
Left Side: "Ward's Western Field
"Model 52-SB311-TA"
Bottom of Box: "180" or "18C" in circle.
Top of forearm: "QB" and "B" in circle.



Anyone know what year it was made? I cannot find a serial number.

I would also like to know what common choke patterns these models come with. The seller said Modified/Imp. Cyl, but they don't seem to spec out correctly. .705 left .711 right, but I'm getting some play in my calipers, so I'm not certain the true diameter.

I would love to use this gun for the clay games, primarily trap. It may not be the best choice, and I realize that the light weight and lack of recoil pad will be punishing, but damnit, I like being odd.

Will the .711ish barrel be low enough constriction for some rifled slugs? Should I break open a slug shell and see how it specs?

Anyone know of any recoil pads made for the 311? I'd rather not use a slip-on and ruin its beautiful lines.


Thanks!


-mike

 

[22hipower]

modified and full chokes

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

I've got its 20 ga brother! I can't find a serial number either. Sounds like an identical twin to yours though, except for gauge.

I bought this gun about 15 years ago for my son, but I never fired it until last weekend. What a sweetheart! I didn't measure chokes, but by the way it shoots, I assume M & F. The thing just smokes clays.

I don't know why it wouldn't work just fine for clay games. Fit is the most important part.

How about a pic? (You show me yours, I'll show you mine )

 

[Superreverb]

As far as dating earlier 311's, here's what I know.

On the underside of the action, right in front of the trigger guard - look for a small oval stamp with two numbers and a letter in it. I literally needed a loupe to read it....

Mine says - 17E (it's a 16-ga). Don't know what the 17 means, but "E" means 1953. The letter code is:

A = 1949
B = 1950
C = 1951
D = 1952
E = 1953
F = 1954

etc.

If yours says 18C in the oval in front of the trigger guard, dollars to do-nuts your gun was made in 1951.

Hope this helps - Ed

 

[Tyril]

Deal, Larry. I'll get my camera out tomorrow =)


Thanks, Ed!

1951 looks about right from the look of it.

I've gotta pattern this thing, and destroy a round of birds - show my nay-saying O/U friends a thing or two!


-mike

 

[BozemanMT]

SxS's are the true expression of the shotgun art. I use mine for clay games.
Fooey on the naysayers.
Although, warning a SxS won't hold up to 100,000 rounds like a top quality O/U, it just won't. Use 1oz loads or even smaller to reduce the pounding on the gun and you. Also a high quality recoil pad goes a long way.
More SxS's.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Superreverb, thanks. Mine says 19B, so it's a 1950 (20 ga).

 

[Tyril]

My SxS:

Case coloring is wearing off, as is the blueing on the trigger guard.
The barrels have some exterior marks, but are near perfect inside.

=)

 

[Dave McCracken]

Nice SxS. The 311s are working class doubles, and a good value. Go shoot it.....

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

I promised, so here's mine...

The little 20 ga I bought for my son over 15 years ago:

I never shot this gun until what, three or four weeks ago when Justin was here?

What a sweetheart! Clays just smoke!

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Try again...