SOLD - Rare, Fantastic Stevens 520-30 Trench Shotgun

Description

1/29/24 - A martial variant of a John Browning designed sport gun, the 520 Trench Gun was originally developed in response to a World War I request for new fighting shotguns for the American Expeditionary Force. It made a strong impression on the evaluators but did not make it into the field before the armistice was signed. Seeing potential for the gun on the police market, Stevens kept production going to 1932, and at the outbreak of World War II, the U.S. government bought every 520 that was still in the warehouse. There were ~33,000 Stevens 520-30s produced for the war, with a mix of trench guns, riot guns and long-barreled training guns among those 33,000. This one is marked with the 'U.S.' military proof and flaming bomb. It's an excellent example with only minor hints of handling wear and generally excellent finish on the receiver, head shield and bayo lug. Excellent wood with a couple minor dings on the left side. High-polished 6-row heat shield and a correct, unmarked plum color bayonet lug. Excellent bore. Smooth action.