savage 311 20 guage double

R

ratherbefishin

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is this my imagination-or are these shotguns scarce?I see the odd 12 guage ,and someone has a 410 for sale-but rarely do I see a 20.Also-wasn't there a model made for one of the department stores under their label?
 
I have a clone, Stevens 5100 in 20ga. I believe, but may be wrong, that the 311 is the early model and after a couple of minor improvements they changed to 5100. I can say it's a nice little gun though, very handy, but mine has developed a trigger problem, it likes to discharge both barrels with one trigger pull. Probably a worn sear, but potentially dangerous. I paid $100 for mine so it's worth fixing in my mind. I do believe there were some store brand clones as well but I can't remember the store. Sears? I hope this helps some. If you find one, I think they're worth buying, good field gun.
 
I seem to have read somewhere that the 20 guage was a scaled down version of the 12guage -not just smaller barrels.Should make for a nice grouse gun-you just don't see them around though
 
The 5100 pre dates the 311. The 311 had one frame size for 12 gauge and the 16 20 and .410 shared a frame size. I know this because I own one in each gauge. The only difference between the 16, 20 and .410 frame is the size of the barrels. It is nice because it is a perfect sized frame and nice to handle and carry. I find that in early models of shotguns popular in the '40s and '50s the 12 and 16 dominated production. 20's were made but in low numbers by comparison. Try finding a 20 bore Winchester model 12, Remington 11 -48 or Ithaca 37. Tough job.

cheers Darryl
 
I had a 311 in 12 guage years ago,it was a well built shotgun,but I think the 20 guage commands a premium price over the 12 guage though-some one was selling one here for $150 I believe
 
They were like the Savage 110 of the shotgun world. Simple and reliable, if not particularly finely made or designed.

I have one that I keep only because it's an heirloom. Any sensible person would rather have a Parker, Fox, or A. Zoli, etc.
 
madtrapper143 said:
The 5100 pre dates the 311. The 311 had one frame size for 12 gauge and the 16 20 and .410 shared a frame size. I know this because I own one in each gauge. The only difference between the 16, 20 and .410 frame is the size of the barrels. It is nice because it is a perfect sized frame and nice to handle and carry. I find that in early models of shotguns popular in the '40s and '50s the 12 and 16 dominated production. 20's were made but in low numbers by comparison. Try finding a 20 bore Winchester model 12, Remington 11 -48 or Ithaca 37. Tough job.

cheers Darryl
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Funny you should say such because I bought a Winchester Mod 1912 20 guage by ser# made in 1917,nic steel barrels and original wood.

After I got it home and cleaning it proper I noticed a ring in the barell about 1 inch back from front sight(somebody had either fired off 2&3/4 in it or steel )!

The reciever has not been cut and the chamber is 2&9/16,so I will keep it as such and order or cut down shells for it.

I also have a Mod 37 in 20 guage so I will fire it and use the shells to cut down and reload for the Winny!

Bob:onCrack:
 
Claven2 said:
Simple and reliable, if not particularly finely made or designed.
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I have a somewhat tarnished opinion of this design in all it's forms. I've owned a slightly upgraded model in 12 ga. (the Fox B) for many years. I haven't been able to bring myself to sell it because I shoot well with it. But, no other gun has ever been so frustrating to own. In the 8 years that I've owned it, it's broken down in the field 5 times!! All my other guns put together (and I own many) haven't broken down in the field that many times.

It has been fairly easy to fix - I did all those repairs myself. Still, I would never go anywhere with that gun without bringing along a backup. Having had it apart so many times, I can say for certain that the biggest issue with it is the design. There's some really questionable design characteristics with these guns. For example, the screw that holds the action lever in place is simply screwed in from underneath - no provision for holding it in place, despite the fact that it's a moving part that will be operated every time the action is opened.

I also own a 311 in 20 ga. I bought it on the EE forum last year for $350.00. So far, I haven't had any trouble with it, but I haven't used it much, either. Good used 20 ga SXS are VERY hard to find. Depending on your budget, you may be better off planning to spend a little more and getting a new model.

SS
 
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