Help me ID old Steven's 16 ga

H

Hunter26

Inactive
My uncle gave me an old Steven's side by side 16 ga for Christmas. I've been trying to figure out what model it is because the stock is broken and I've been looking for a replacement. But it has NO serial numbers on it anywhere. My Dad and I stripped it down and still couldn't find anything. My uncle said he got the gun before WWII. It has double triggers, no hammers, it has an engraving of a pointer on the left side of the reciever, says "Selected forged steel" and "Proof tested 16 ga - 2 3/4" chamber". The only markings I found were "MS AI", the "A" and "I" being circled. The "MS AI" marking is also on the inside of the reciever and front stock. There is also a "B", "3" and "X" on the inside of the reciever. On the right outer side of the reciever it says "Stevens". Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Hunter26
 
Witout a pic it's tough but being a Mule ear stevens my first guess is a 225 or 235, why not do a Google or search gun auctions for Stevens SxS & see if one shows up like it ;)
 
It's probably a Stevens 311 (before they started putting the Savage name on that model) as they were made from 1931 to 1989. I could, however be a model 530 which is basically a lower grade of 311 and made from 1936 to 1954. If the barrel latch has no screw through it this is what model you probably have. The 311 butt will have a carved point of wood above the trigger guard, the 530 will not.

On the other hand it could be a model 315 if it has a screw though the barrel latch and a plain stock. I have no manufacturing dates for this model.

Hope this helps.
 
I can get some pics of it later this afternoon if that will help. What's a mule ear Steven's?

I searched on google for a whole freaking day and couldn't find anything.

I just really need a new stock. Are the stocks all the same or is it different for every model of Steven's SxS?
 
The shogtun I'm talking about does NOT have exposed hammers. My dad went out of town and took my digital camera, so it will be a couple days before I can get some pics.
 
 
I really think you have an early model 530. Most parts for the 311 will interchange with the 530, so that shouldn't be a problem. There are two butt stocks for these model guns, you will need one for the straight reciever - not the stepped receiver.

Try Numrich Gun Parts http://www.e-gunparts.com
 
Is there a certain feature or part on the gun that you would like me to take a picture of and post to get a positive ID? Or is there another forum that specializes in Steven's shotguns? I just noticed on that website for the 311 and 530 schematic, the stock they show has three holes in it under the buttplate, mine only has two. I think that's kind of important because the big screw that attaches the stock will not line up properly I don't think. Or will it?

By the way, is it common for the old Steven's to not have ANY serial number or model numbers on it like mine?
 
Some of the schematics aren't exact. Many of the parts would fit several different models so that is probably why the picture shows 3 holes - the stock you get may not be exactly as pictured. If you're still not really sure, take your gun to a competent gunsmith and they can tell you which model it is.

Serial numbers weren't required on guns until the Gun Control Act of 1968. Many old guns are serial numbered but that was simply for factory inventory purposes and not BATFE tracking as it is today.
 
Thanks for the info, I think I will order that stock you recommended and if it doesn't fit I can just send it back. I'll also see if my local gunsmith can ID it too.
 
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