J. Stevens 520 Shotgun Help

[mikegideon]

This is my dad's shotgun. I confiscated it from him a couple of weeks ago so he didn't just let it sit in the closet and die. It's a pre-1920, early model 520, designed by John Moses Browning.

Can anybody tell me any more about it? Where to find schematics and other information? AFAIK, the gun still functios except for the firing pin, which may still be available.

This was the first 12 ga. I ever shot (some 40 years ago), and has sentimental value. It's in rough shape, so I'll probably refinish it. Please excuse the bad photography.

[Guest SUNTZU]

Blowup of Parts

http://www.okiegunsmithshop.com/stevens_520_620.jpg

Parts for a 520 and 520A

Numrich Gun Parts Corp. - The World's Largest Supplier of Firearms Parts and Accessories

Numrich Gun Parts Corp. - The World's Largest Supplier of Firearms Parts and Accessories

Buy your own schematic. Third one up from the bottom. Its around $1.50.

Schematics | Numrich Gunparts Corp.

[mikegideon]

Blowup of Parts

http://www.okiegunsmithshop.com/stevens_520_620.jpg

Parts for a 520 and 520A

Numrich Gun Parts Corp. - The World's Largest Supplier of Firearms Parts and Accessories

Numrich Gun Parts Corp. - The World's Largest Supplier of Firearms Parts and Accessories

Buy your own schematic. Third one up from the bottom. Its around $1.50.

Schematics | Numrich Gunparts Corp.

Thanks man. Finally found the serial number on the lower stock tang, under my Daddy's 30 year old duct tape spooge (stock is cracked). Acetone and some serious qtip scrubbing to get to it. SN 30136

[mikegideon]

I would not refinish it because it will loose any value it has. Most of the early firearms had what is called rust bluing. That is what gives it the brownish color. I can see there is some surface rust and the best way to take care of this is with som 000 steel wool and some WD-40. Spray the wool with WD-40 then wipe the gun down until it feels smoother.

As far as shematics you might try calling Numrich's. They don't list a scheamtic for the 520 but they may have a source.

If the firing pin is broke and you still have it PM me, I might be able to help you out.

Dolomite

I doubt that the gun has much value. They made a gazillion of them. this one has a ribbed barrel, so I think it's actually a 521. There is always the option of just going back with a rust blue finish. I'm afraid the surface rust is too deep in some areas to just hit with steel wool and rust remover.

EDIT; I don't mind getting parts made. I was hoping to find some gun smithing info before I tear it down, but can fumble my way thru with a camera if necessary. The Browning patents may even help.

Edited May 31, 2010 by mikegideon

[Guest SUNTZU]

Thanks man. Finally found the serial number on the lower stock tang, under my Daddy's 30 year old duct tape spooge (stock is cracked). Acetone and some serious qtip scrubbing to get to it. SN 30136

Check this thread out.

Canfield reports numbers range from 38,000 to 70,000 with most WWII guns running from 40,000 to the 60,000's.

Stevens 520-30

[mikegideon]

Check this thread out.

Stevens 520-30

The 520-30 was a military gun. It's was a different animal.

This one is a straight 520, and predates WWI. The J. Stevens Arms and Tool Co. changed names in 1920. This one appears to be an early 520. The slide release is on the side of the receiver, instead of behind the trigger guard.

It's turning into a fun project researching this. The gun was given to my dad when he was a young man because of a problem. The automatic slide release (after firing) had stopped working. Guess Uncle Charlie figured the gun was worn out . That was a common problem with the 520, and probably just needs some TLC around the trigger group.

[mikegideon]

Check this thread out.

Stevens 520-30

I had been thru this thread a few days ago, but picked this out today...

"...The earliest guns used an inertial weight to unlock the slide lock. My oldest one has a round button on the left side of the receiver to do this..." -John Browning's original design!

This confirms that it's an older gun... probably past the 100 year mark.

[Guest SUNTZU]

The 520-30 was a military gun. It's was a different animal.

This one is a straight 520, and predates WWI. The J. Stevens Arms and Tool Co. changed names in 1920. This one appears to be an early 520. The slide release is on the side of the receiver, instead of behind the trigger guard.

It's turning into a fun project researching this. The gun was given to my dad when he was a young man because of a problem. The automatic slide release (after firing) had stopped working. Guess Uncle Charlie figured the gun was worn out . That was a common problem with the 520, and probably just needs some TLC around the trigger group.

I got there after researching the serial number. I like old shotguns like this. The research is half the fun.

[mikegideon]

BTW... forgot about finding this place last week. Looks like a lot of the parts are still available.

Savage Shotgun Parts, Stevens Shotgun Parts,Springfield Shotgun Parts, Original Obsolete Stevens Shotgun Parts. Stevens Autsomatic Shotgun Parts, Stevens Pump Shotgun Parts, Stevens Single Barrel Shoptgun Parts, Stevens Shotgun Barrels, Stevens Doubl

[mikegideon]

I got there after researching the serial number. I like old shotguns like this. The research is half the fun.

This one is real fun. The slide unlock is activated by inertia (recoil), which may explain why it quit working 20-30 years into its life. I'm thinkin crud.

The gun has no disconnector, so mash the trigger, and it fires every time you rack the slide. The bolt lock protrudes thru the top of the receiver. John Moses at his best.

BTW... this gun was manufactured in the same factory as the Mosins.

[MikeW]

Nice ole Stevens.

I have a Western Field (Stevens for Montgomery Ward) 1936 520 riot gun . I like the 520's becuase you can hold the trigger back and pump away.

[mikegideon]

Got it most of the way apart. It doesn't come apart anything like a modern shotgun. No pins, all screws. The action is pretty nasty. The finish is blue, but may have happened sometime in its life. Not sure when my dad got the gun, but I know he has had it more than 45 years. It has been worked on over the years. There's evidence on the screw heads, and the tube inside the operating handle has been broken and braised. Not a good braising job either. I'll clean it up with a Dremel.

So anyway, it's gonna get a new blue finish.

[mikegideon]

MAGAZINE-GUN - Google Patent Search

[mikegideon]

Found basic assembly/disassembly instructions on a couple of gun boards, and then found this:

Amazon.com: The Gun Digest Book of Firearms Assembly/Disassembly

Ordered it. It covers the 520

[gregintenn]

[mikegideon]

Thanks Greg. Already found that one. Most of the parts are available too.

[Guest FiddleDog]

I am looking forward to seeing pics of your restoration.

[mikegideon]

I am looking forward to seeing pics of your restoration.

Getting ready to start. It's in a million pieces right now. I have all the info and refinishing stuff. Still gotta buy parts for any that are worn out.

[mikegideon]

I have done some more research. There were several changes to the 520 actions over the years. Mine is the earliest version. The only bad part so far is a broken firing pin, but there are some other worn parts that I will replace if I can find the right ones. I'm not going to be happy until I turn it into a good shooter.

I ordered the 1912, 1914, and 1920 Stevens catalog reproductions so I can date the gun a little better. The catalogs include parts diagrams. There are still a lot of parts available, but it appears that the bulk of the guns made may have been the newer revisions. I'll know more when I get the catalog reproductions.

The receiver and action parts have been soaking in mineral spirits for the last 24 hours. Most of the 100 year old spooge came loose, but the duct tape adhesive on the top tang is hanging in.

Here's the busted firing pin. I'm pretty sure they never changed the bolt design, so I'm going to order a replacement and see if it fits.

[Guest Tokengimp]

I'>STEVENS 520 PUMP SHOTGUN - US PATENT Art Print shot gun For Sale was looking up 520 details and came across this as well as the request. So happy hunting.

[Dolomite_supafly]

STEVENS 520 PUMP SHOTGUN - US PATENT Art Print shot gun For Sale was looking up 520 details and came across this as well as the request. So happy hunting.

Holy thread revival batman!!!

Dolomite