I would really appreciate any help anyone would have identifyin a gun i just bought.i found out its a stevens 520 but on the side its stampped jc higgins 102.25 can anyone tell me when it was made by chance its a 16 guage pump its in rough shape and i paid 150 for it did i over pay
Stevens 520a jc higgins help please
- Thread starter Kingmoe89
- Start date
520s were a JMB design, and are super durable and well made. Unless it's a pathetic mass of rust and rot, $150 is reasonable.
In your shoes, I'd take this old warhorse to see Mr Gunsmith for a checkover, detail strip and deep clean. Like most JMB designs, it's not user friendly in there. Let someone who knows do the hard part.
You get the fun. After the Smith OKs the thing for 2 3/4" shells, go shoot it a lot. Note the smooth shuck and bank vault lockup. Note the satisfying number of targets that fall into pieces or die quickly.
520s, brand name or not, are good shotguns. Enjoy.....
In your shoes, I'd take this old warhorse to see Mr Gunsmith for a checkover, detail strip and deep clean. Like most JMB designs, it's not user friendly in there. Let someone who knows do the hard part.
You get the fun. After the Smith OKs the thing for 2 3/4" shells, go shoot it a lot. Note the smooth shuck and bank vault lockup. Note the satisfying number of targets that fall into pieces or die quickly.
520s, brand name or not, are good shotguns. Enjoy.....
The 520's patent was filed 10 July 1903 and sold by Browning to Stevens. The shotguns went into production in 1904. This was Browning's second pump shotgun patent, the first was the Winchester 1893, which evolved into the 1897. Like Dave said, unless you're really good, leave the inside of the receiver on this one to a gunsmith.
The 520 stayed in production (with various modifications to the safety location, action release location and receiver shape) until 1932. Older 520s have a 'double hump' receiver that reminds me a lot of the BAR, newer ones, the 520-30s, are 'square backs' like the current H&R Pardner Pump.
Neat shotguns... usually cheaper with MonkeyWard markings, but 150 does not seem too bad for one in good mechanical shape.
If you want the same basic action and takedown system in a newer gun, look for a Stevens 620 with the streamlined receiver.
The 520 stayed in production (with various modifications to the safety location, action release location and receiver shape) until 1932. Older 520s have a 'double hump' receiver that reminds me a lot of the BAR, newer ones, the 520-30s, are 'square backs' like the current H&R Pardner Pump.
Neat shotguns... usually cheaper with MonkeyWard markings, but 150 does not seem too bad for one in good mechanical shape.
If you want the same basic action and takedown system in a newer gun, look for a Stevens 620 with the streamlined receiver.
Txhillbilly
New member
I have a Westernfield/520 sold by Montgomery Wards.I was told that mine was made in 1933-34.It also has an original Poly-choke on the barrel.
These shotguns also break-down.If you unscrew the magazine tube,it unlocks the cam-lock mechanism on the receiver,and the magazine tube and barrel can be slide out from the bottom of the receiver.You have to jiggle the forearm to get the action rod to release from the bolt,and then slide the forearm back forward.
This gun is built like a tank,and is very strong,as are most of J M Browning designed firearms.
These shotguns also break-down.If you unscrew the magazine tube,it unlocks the cam-lock mechanism on the receiver,and the magazine tube and barrel can be slide out from the bottom of the receiver.You have to jiggle the forearm to get the action rod to release from the bolt,and then slide the forearm back forward.
This gun is built like a tank,and is very strong,as are most of J M Browning designed firearms.