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Hey guys, I need your wisdom. I bought this old Stevens 311 double barrel shotgun. I cannot close the barrels when the shells are in there because it seems the firing pins are stuck in the strike position. I've field stripped it and bathed it in ballistol to get as much gunk out of there as possible. If I were to disassemble it further i'd have to take out these two rivets (they don't look like pins). Does anyone have any insight? I've googled the issue but I haven't found anyone with a similar issue.

I restored function to a classic Browning "A5" Auto-5 this weekend. Unlike many modern autoloading shotguns, the A5 is recoil operated instead of using expanding gas pressure to cycle the semiautomatic action. John Browning's enduring design is over 125 years old, and it is still known as one of the most reliable, softest-shooting recoil operated shotguns in the world. Still, these century-old "humpback" beauties do require regular maintenance, and their older design is sometimes misunderstood. Without proper care and setup, they can malfunction. This customer gun was not properly ejecting, leading to double feeds that meant the birds were getting away. The main recoil spring is tuned by a set of bronze beveled rings, and steel friction rings. If they are not installed properly, they can lead to short stroke cycling, or worse, battering of the receiver and action. The right number of rings have to be installed in the right order and orientation to match the ammo being used. In this case, these rings were installed in the wrong order, and backwards. This led to the bronze ring being heavily gouged around its circumference, and the steel friction ring getting a significant burr on the active edge. This, in turn, gouged the magazine tube and bound up the spring during cycling. The stock also has an oft-forgotten recoil spring and channel inside it. Even professionals, unfamiliar with the A5, often forget this spring and channel when performing a cleaning. Sure enough, this bolt spring channel was heavily clogged, and was also contributing to the malfunctions. All cleaned and repaired with new rings, this Browning is ready to hunt for another century.

I recently rediscovered my passion around shotguns, specifically over and unders as well as shooting sporting clays. I have been purchasing some here or there and my main tool is a new Browning Citori CX White, it's a fantastic sporting gun and I love it, but I go with other folks who often times don't have their own shotgun or do but it isn't necissarily ideal for a sporting course. I have let folks use my gun and I really don't have any issue with it but I think it's always nice to have more guns so what better excuse to get a not so nice version of my gun to clean up and work on and also shoot and share? Now these guns are a bit on the pricey side, and not necissarily the most popular type of shooting style here in TN so I chose to go the online route in search of a deal. I came across a posting for a used Citori, with 78 photos for <$1000.00. So I jumped at it, after loking through the photos I was fairly confident I was getting a well loved gun, it had been used but also well taken care of and customized a bit for the previous shooter. Those suspicions were confirmed when the gun showed up at my local FFL. I wasn't sure of the age of the gun but was pretty sure it was older than me. When I finally asked for the S/N to date it the seller had already dropped it off at their FFL and didn't even take note of the S/N. I received it today and sure enough it is a pretty darn good shotgun, definitly shot, but fit and finish is very nice, it's almost as tight as my brand new one, and the S/N checks out as a 1978 production year and the model designation is J53, which is a special order of their standard Grade I Hunter "153" configuration, meaning it was likely part of a large batch of orders for a specific chain of stores. It has 26" barrels, fixed choke of modified over improved cylider, which happens to be exactly what I run in my CX White (I knew that when I bought it), it has the automatic safety bar removed, and the butt pad has been shaved and rounded, so it seems like this gun was used as a clays gun. The only thing it doesn't have that I prefer is a mid-bead which I will look to add at a later date likely. Right now I'm just very happy with my purchase, I happened to have an old case I got on here for a trade a while back that she fits perfect inside of (and my CX White does NOT fit in with the extended chokes installed). Anywho, this is the result of a lot of foam cleaner, a lot of bore cleaning, and toothbrush work and then oil and lube. She has a few nicks and dings but nothing I'm not going to add to, and if I get really frisky later I may just take a crack at some repair/refinish work as I do enjoy working on my firearms.

Hi! Want to know if it is recommended to shoot magnum ammo nickel/steel in my Stevens Mod 58 12gauge. It´s a weel taken care of with no 197 //Hans

Hey Everybody! May 24-26 Citizens Safety Academy will be hosting Mike and Marie Bain of Defensive Specialties LLC for the NRA Shotgun Instructor Course here in Middle Tennessee. This course doesn't come around often so if you've been thinking about becoming a NRA certified shotgun instructor, now's the time. NRA Shotgun Instructor Course Date: Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26, 2019 Time: 8am to 6pm each day Location: Citizens Safety Academy, 752 E. Northfield Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 (with live-fire done at the OK Corral) Cost: $300 More Info and Registration: https://defensivespecialties.com/dsllc-training-calendar or call 678-283-2504 Contact Email: Mike@defensivespecialties.com The NRA requires all Instructor Candidates to have completed the basic course prior to attending the instructor course. Mr. and Mrs. Bain will be conducting the NRA Basic Shotgun course on Friday, May 24th 2019. This course will only be open to participants of the NRA Shotgun Instructor course that weekend. NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting Course Date: Friday, May 24, 2019 Time: 8am to 6pm Location: OK Corral Shooting Range, 3175 Pleasant Ridge Road, Woodbury, TN 37190 Cost: $150 More Info and Registration: https://defensivespecialties.com/dsllc-training-calendar or call 678-283-2504 Contact Email: Mike@defensivespecialties.com Thanks, everyone! Aqil and Tiff Citizens Safety Academy

SUAREZ INTERNATIONAL Defensive Shotgun March 1, 2019 PRICE: $200 Dayton, Tennessee Instructor: Randy Harris Instructor Bio The shotgun is the top choice among Americans for limited role home defense. In its niche it is a devastating weapon. This one day class will teach you everything you need to know to employ this iconic American fighting tool to its best utility. CLASS AND RANGE DETAILS DURATION: 1 Day TIME: 8:30AM to 4:30PM AMMUNITION: Approximately 100 rounds of Birdshot, 50 rounds of Buckshot, 15 Slugs and 50 rounds of pistol ammunition. RANGE & GEAR REQUIREMENTS: Shotgun (any caliber pump or semi-auto). All shotguns must be equipped with a sling and a stock. Pistol with at least two magazines, suitable belt, holster, and magazine pouches. A method of carrying extra shotgun ammo (for example: shoulder bag, ammo pouches, side saddle, or butt cuff). Ear & eye protection. Also Helpful Bring spare clothing appropriate for the weather, including a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Plan to bring lunch, snacks, and water (min 1 gallon per person) for the entire day unless driving to lunch is a viable option from the range location. Bring allergy medication (if needed), a chair (if you prefer), note taking supplies, and a boo boo kit (band aids, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment and tape). You may wish to bring pads such as knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves if the class lends itself to that. RANGE: The Ridge 11534 Rhea County Hwy, Hwy 27 Dayton, TN 37321 423-605-4242 http://www.theridgeshooting.com/ For more info and to register....https://suarezinternational.com/hits-5-defensive-shotgun-march-1-2019-dayton-tn/

I just picked up a Model 11 in very good condition for it's advanced years. Stripped her down and cleaned all internals, which looked like no one had attended to them since she rolled off the line in 1936! She's squeaky clean and lubricated now. The gun fires fine, however she is still cycling with low-power target stuff (2 1/4 Dram - 1 oz.) with the recoil system set for high-power 12 gauge fodder. Recoil on the high power stuff is pretty stiff and the action return spring 'sings' in the stock after a shot. These symptoms lead me to believe I need to replace the recoil spring, but I am having a hard time locating a 'new production' replacement. I have two questions for knowledgeable folks on the Model 11: 1) What is the uncompressed length on the 'factory' recoil spring? (since all I can locate are used parts, this would allow me to determine if the spring has 'collapsed' or if it's still useable. 2) Has anyone played around with manufacturing 'spacers' to provide more tension on a 'weakened' older spring? This is not an ideal solution, I know, but I cannot find new stock.

On Friday October 12 we will be offering the Suarez International 1 day Defensive Shotgun class. This can be combined with the Oct 13-14 Rifle Gunfighting 2 class as a discount package. Defensive Shotgun October 12, 2018 Dayton, Tennessee Price: $200 (Can be combined with Rifle Gunfighting 2 for $50 discount) Instructor: Randy Harris ( Instructor BIO ) The shotgun is the top choice among Americans for limited role home defense. In its niche it is a devastating weapon. This one day class will teach you everything you need to know to employ this iconic American fighting tool to its best utility. CLASS AND RANGE DETAILS DURATION: 1 Day TIME: 8:30AM to 4:30PM AMMUNITION: Approximately 100 rounds of Birdshot, 50 rounds of Buckshot, 15 Slugs and 50 rounds of pistol ammunition. RANGE & GEAR REQUIREMENTS: Shotgun (any caliber pump or semi-auto). All shotguns must be equipped with a sling and a stock. Pistol with at least two magazines, suitable belt, holster, and magazine pouches. A method of carrying extra shotgun ammo (for example: shoulder bag, ammo pouches, side saddle, or butt cuff). Ear & eye protection. Also Helpful Bring spare clothing appropriate for the weather, including a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Plan to bring lunch, snacks, and water (min 1 gallon per person) for the entire day unless driving to lunch is a viable option from the range location. Bring allergy medication (if needed), a chair (if you prefer), note taking supplies, and a boo boo kit (band aids, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment and tape). You may wish to bring pads such as knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves if the class lends itself to that. RANGE: The Ridge 11534 Rhea County Hwy, Hwy 27 Dayton, TN 37321 423-605-4242 http://www.theridgeshooting.com/ For more info and to register.......https://suarezinternational.com/hits-5-defensive-shotgun-october-12-2018-dayton-tn/

TN / GA / AL Suarez Training Group! On Saturday July 28 we will hold our July meeting for the TN/GA/AL Regional Suarez Int Training Group! Subject: ARE YOU QUALIFIED? Instructor: Tier 1 Suarez Int Staff Instructor Randy Harris Location: The usual place- Phillips/Edwards Farm 763 County Rd 332 Pisgah AL 35765 Time: 9AM CENTRAL time - 3PM CENTRAL time Price: $80 - pay at class cash or check. What you need to bring: Pistol, pistol magazines and at least 250 rounds of pistol ammo. Revolvers are welcome if you want to party like it is 1899. Also a Rifle with 50 rounds and shotgun with 11 slugs and 5 rounds of 00 Buckshot if you choose to do the FBI Rifle and Shotgun qualifications. We will shoot several police and federal agency qualification courses. We will shoot the FBI Pistol Qual, the ATF Pistol Qual, LAPD SWAT Pistol Qual and then the FBI Rifle and FBI Shotgun qual courses. I will also keep records of these (if you are happy with your scores) for future reference and use . This will serve to get your shooting prowess on record in case it is ever needed in the future in some legal matter. This is also something your church might like to have for their records if you are a member of a church security team. As far as the courts are concerned if it isn't documented it didn't happen so this is an opportunity to get some official scores on paper in case you ever need them . Not only that but it will be a good day of shooting some somewhat challenging courses.

Posting this for a friend........... Rangemaster Defensive Shotgun Instructor Development Course Franklin, Tennessee private range facility May 4-6, 2018 Friday through Sunday, 9am-6pm each day The shotgun is one of the most effective and versatile weapons available to the average private citizen or police officer. It is also the least understood and most under-utilized weapon system. Learn how to teach students to properly select, modify, feed and operate the defensive shotgun for optimum effectiveness. This intensive course will teach you efficient techniques for handling and shooting the shotgun under stressful conditions. Topics covered include: Firearms safety, including considerations specific to shotguns Selection of the fighting shotgun Modifications and Accessories Ammunition selection and capabilities Patterning for optimum performance Nomenclature and mechanical operation Shooting technique Loading/reloading techniques Safe storage and ready conditions, including cruiser ready Care and maintenance Adult teaching methods Training aids Instructor candidates will receive an extensive training manual and an over two hour long instructional DVD as part of the training package. Students will need 250 rounds of birdshot, 150 rounds of buckshot, and 30 slugs. We will have some properly set up loaner shotguns available. To graduate from this course, student instructors will have to pass a shooting qualification and a written test on the material covered in the course. To register, see https://www.eventbrite.com/e/defensive-shotgun-instructor-development-tickets-39696406019 For questions, contact Tom Givens, rangemaster.tom@gmail.com

DEFENSIVE SHOTGUN APRIL 27, 2018 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE PRICE : $200 INSTRUCTOR: RANDY HARRIS INSTRUCTOR BIO THERE IS A DISCOUNT IF THIS CLASS IS COMBINED WITH THE RIFLE GUNFIGHTING CLASS ON MARCH 31-APRIL 1 !!!!! The shotgun is the top choice among Americans for limited role home defense. In its niche it is a devastating weapon. This one day class will teach you everything you need to know to employ this iconic American fighting tool to its best utility. CLASS AND RANGE DETAILS DURATION: 1 Day TIME: 9:00AM to 5:00PM CST AMMUNITION: Approximately 100 rounds of Birdshot, 50 rounds of Buckshot, 15 Slugs and 50 rounds of pistol ammunition. RANGE & GEAR REQUIREMENTS: Shotgun (any caliber pump or semi-auto). All shotguns must be equipped with a sling and a stock. Pistol with at least two magazines, suitable belt, holster, and magazine pouches. A method of carrying extra shotgun ammo (for example: shoulder bag, ammo pouches, side saddle, or butt cuff). Ear & eye protection. Also Helpful Bring spare clothing appropriate for the weather, including a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Plan to bring lunch, snacks, and water (min 1 gallon per person) for the entire day unless driving to lunch is a viable option from the range location. Bring allergy medication (if needed), a chair (if you prefer), note taking supplies, and a boo boo kit (band aids, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment and tape). You may wish to bring pads such as knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves if the class lends itself to that. For more info and to register...https://suarezinternational.com/hits-5-defensive-shotgun-march-30-2018-chattanooga-tn/

We have all seen them. We know they are innocent, but someone made them UGLY. Like a car wreck we can't look away. We just hope someone will move them to a safer more loving home where they can blossom into the beautiful guns they have inside. Some may be too far gone and we just have to give them as merciful and dignified end. Let's post the UGLY guns to raise awareness of the mistreatment they receive. Maybe we can save a few from the same sad fate.