Stevens 520 Trench Gun
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Dark Alley Dan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- Darkest Edmonton
Nice unit. Sure looks solid. Damn shame about the later ones with the alloy trigger guards, but the early Stevens guns are anvil-like in their construction.
Looks nice from here.
Has it been restored or is this one in strong original condition?
I'm no expert on the Stevens 520 trench gun, I imagine these must be pretty collectible though?
I noticed the blue sling, if I recall the RCAF used these for airfield protection? Is there any RCAF markings on the gun?
Sorry for so many questions!
Thanks for sharing,
-Steve
Has it been restored or is this one in strong original condition?
I'm no expert on the Stevens 520 trench gun, I imagine these must be pretty collectible though?
I noticed the blue sling, if I recall the RCAF used these for airfield protection? Is there any RCAF markings on the gun?
Sorry for so many questions!
Thanks for sharing,
-Steve
Enfield/Remington Bayonet attachment?
Thanks! Sounds like an interesting RCAF firearm.
I would love to see detailed high resolution photos if it's ever possible.
Is this the one from the Bruce Strader collection that was sold off threw Switzers?
I remember hearing about another Stevens 520 that was sold there but I was out of the country at the time and missed the Bruce Strader auction.
I have some interest in U.S. Trenchguns and have picked up some information on these Stevens 520's in the process of researching them.
Very cool and thanks again for your post.
Cheers,
-Steve
Steve - correct this is from Bruce Straders collection that was sold through Switzers, everything about the gun seems correct right - side of the receiver has the model marking, along with U.S." and "P / [ordnance bomb]" markings. "P" is also stamped on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. While I have researched as much as I can on this particular 520, they usually left the factory blued and this one has a parkerized finish, since I cannot verify what happened while in the hands of the RCAF? - if anyone can fill in the blanks I would be great full...
gadget
Hi Gadget,
Thanks for the details. I suspected it may have been the Stevens 520 from the Bruce Strader auction, but I was never able to see it in hand. I had considered doing more research on Stevens 520's when I saw it was going to be for sale but I just didn't have the knowledge on them to be an interested party at the time and couldn't attend the auction anyway.
I think with detailed photos we could probably figure out more about this shotgun. It's possible it was parkerized during military service, if so that would have been done by one of the arsenals.
Maybe some other members also have RCAF marked Stevens 520's ?
I'm also curious to see period photos of them in use with the RCAF on airfields if anyone has them. The story I was once told is that were used because the shot wouldn't cause damage to the aircraft as opposed to bullets that would tear apart the soft aluminum shells (I have no idea if this is even remotely true?).
-Steve
I have one of these too. Bought it at the Switzer's Auction about a year ago for $800.00. It is in really nice condition other than the forend and butt stock had to have some cracks repaired. Love the takedown on these. Only thing that I have found with these is the wrist on the butt stock seems very thin and fragile and a very weak point in their design for a military shotgun.
Ian
Ian
One thing that I noticed right away that is a replacement part is the heat shield/bayonet lug. Most likely from a Winchester 1897 and not an original Stevens 520-30. The original 520-30's had a purplish hue to the bayonet lug/barrel attachment chunk at the end. Unless of course that part is now covered with parkerizing.
Great looking gun. I love these!
Ian
Great looking gun. I love these!
Ian
