Old Stevens 520 riot gun

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Gelrir

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I got this recently from the "counterfeit trench gun" guys; this one was already a riot gun, in good condition, so they didn't put it though their "re-build" process. There are some scuff marks on the magazine tube (from working the slide) and a tiny rough patch of blue on the rear of the receiver, just ahead of the upper tang -- this probably sat in a prison or police armory for decades, being checked out every few years. The left-side markings show "J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co.", so I think it's from before 1916? Anyway, I'm super pleased with it, but haven't had it out to the range yet.

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Michael B.

 
Great looking. Can't help on date, sorry. But I like that gun!
I've seen discussions that (after Savage merged with Stevens) a post-Great War fire in the company offices destroyed a lot of serial number records -- convenient in light of some U.S. gov't investigations of fraud.
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Michael B.
 
Once you take it to the range and verify that it's in good working order it will be like the song - everything that you need and nothing that you don't....
 
One of the prettiest I've seen.:thumbup:

Certainly from the first 10 years up to 1919-20 due to the release button.

Nice catch and great to get ahead of it being faked into a trench-gun.

For fun, I always make a point of pulling butt-plates. It's surprising the paperwork I've found rolled up under there on long guns in my life.

Todd.
 
Excuse my ignorance, but perhaps without offering them advertising, someone might PM me as to who the "fake trench gun guys" are? Is this a class of individual evil bubbas, or an organization dedicated to the commercial exploitation of age appropriate shotguns?
 
Excuse my ignorance, but perhaps without offering them advertising, someone might PM me as to who the "fake trench gun guys" are? Is this a class of individual evil bubbas, or an organization dedicated to the commercial exploitation of age appropriate shotguns?
Just guys who queer fine old guns and especially riot-guns in their own right to make built-up *trench-guns*.

I get it with project quality shotguns. Makes a lot of sense in fact. But every now and again I'll run into someone who has or intends to do it to a sweet riot or field gun. They are clearly theirs to mess with but there are so many clapped-out guns out there to use instead.

Kind of like making a fake Yenko Camaro out of an already righteous '67 SS Camaro.

Sure, Yenko made his from SS's but now, a REAL SS is a FAKE Yenko. Seems a pity.

Todd.
 
They're above-board with it. They buy lots of old (pre-1960-ish) pump guns of brands that had, or may have had, military versions; re-finish the metal and wood, apply sling swivels, heat shield and bayonet lugs (depending on the model), and markings. They do put their own company initials somewhere on the receiver, and the weapons retain their commercial serial numbers. They're very upfront about their work, and most of what they purchase are old field-grade Sears or Monkey Wards guns (I presume -- since the number of old riot guns can't be that large). All of this is second-hand info from forums and their auction postings: my only contact with them was the purchase of this shotgun.

If you don't like them rebuilding old shotguns, well, they are doing that ... but there's no sign of any attempt to 'trick' anyone.

edit: they do mention putting "new" barrels on most of their 'trench guns', so they probably weren't riot guns to start with.

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Michael B.
 
Excuse my ignorance, but perhaps without offering them advertising, someone might PM me as to who the "fake trench gun guys" are? Is this a class of individual evil bubbas, or an organization dedicated to the commercial exploitation of age appropriate shotguns?

PM'd you with info about the company.

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Michael B.
 
Fine old gun. The take down feature is nice.
You might think so ... but the seller shipped it "taken down" in a smallish box (meant for a stripped AR-15 lower, I think). The first time I visited my local FFL to see if it had arrived, they said 'Nope'; I got an e-mail from them the next day saying, 'Sorry, it's been here for a few days, but I didn't notice the small box when you said 'shotgun''.

I'll get a picture of it taken down ...

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Michael B.
 
PM'd you with info about the company.

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Michael B.

Yes, thanks.

Unfortunately, you are rather a bad influence.

On the strength of your post, I purchased a Western Field Model 30, which is a Stevens 520a receiver and 28" barrel made for Montgomery Ward, 1946 - 48. The butt stock is broken around the tang safety, so got it for a song. Not sure whether I will just restore it in its original configuration, or turn it into a "counterfeit trench gun" of my own.Will advise.
 
I believe Cornell Publications has a fairly complete take-down manual for one of the later versions of the Stevens 520.

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Michael B.
 
I just received a Cornell Publications reprint of the 1909 J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company catalog (#52, revised edition) -- probably the first year it was cataloged. Lots of inexpensive single-shot rifles, pistols and shotguns in the catalog, mostly. The Model 520 cost $27; the Model 522 "Trap Shooter" was $40; the "Deluxe Grade" Model 525 was $50.
 
Heck of a collection. I don’t know where my love of older riot guns and trench guns came from but I think they’re about the coolest firearms ever. Yours are cooler than most! Who are the “counterfeit trench gun guys”?
 
Heck of a collection. I don’t know where my love of older riot guns and trench guns came from but I think they’re about the coolest firearms ever. Yours are cooler than most! Who are the “counterfeit trench gun guys”?
They're an LLC in Louisiana. As far as I know they buy "fleets" of older police, prison etc. shotguns and rebuild them -- mostly as trench guns, but some as riot guns, etc.. They mark them with "CTG" on the receiver. My 520 was a weapon they purchased but didn't convert. See my comment in January. On gunbroker at least they go by the name "counterfeit trench gun".

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Michael B.
 
Heck of a collection. I don’t know where my love of older riot guns and trench guns came from but I think they’re about the coolest firearms ever.

I also have a High Standard M10B, an ugly plastic bullpup from the 1970s.

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Michael B.
 
So lots of the High Standard Model 10B shotguns are missing their Kel-Lite flashlight and the mount. One of the flashlights showed up on eBay, I think it's still there ... $325 ! And the actual flashlight is all scratched up and corroded. I'm gonna buy a piece of Piicatinny rail and drill holes in it.

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Michael B.
 
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