Shotgun Noob Questions: J. Stevens Arms Company

[newenglandshooter]

Hello,
Does anyone have a good source of info on a double barrel J. Stevens Arms Company shotgun? I am new to shotguns and do not even know what gauge it is. I was told it was a 12 gauge before I saw it, but then again, I was also told it was an L.C. Smith, and it isn't. I would like to know how to clean it and what ammo is appropriate. The markings I can find on it are the following, which is on the right side, under the beginning of the barrel:

J. STEVENS ARMS COMPANY
CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U. S. A.
-PATENTED APRIL 20, 1915-

and the number 47, which is on the underside about 3 or 4 inches in front of the trigger guard. On the left side, it says STEVENS and there is an engraving of a goose.

The gun has 2 triggers.

Thanks all. I only have experience with handguns and .22 rifles, so I appreciate any help.

 

[Kenny474]

If the gun has a checkered wood stock than I believe it is a Model 315. If it has the Tenite stock (plastic) or smooth wood than I believe it to be a 311. The 47 on the bottom of the barrel is the date code. The models manufactured in 1947 were the 315 and the 311, so I am pretty sure you have one of the 2.
Beyond that, the best way to find more info would be to provide a few clear pictures of the gun and it's markings.

As far as appropriate ammo, you will need to be absolutely certain what gauge the bore is. A 12 gauge will have a bore diameter of .729", though it will be tighter at the muzzle by a few thou due to the barrels being choked. IF it is a 12ga, any 2 3/4" 12ga ammo will be fine. All the info I can find states a 2 3/4" chamber, but I don't want to give you bad info, so if you are unsure have a gunsmith give it a look. Just please be certain of the gauge before doing anything, I don't want to see you get hurt.

As far as cleaning is concerned, it is done in a similar manner to any rifle or pistol. You would swab the bore with a patch and solvent, follow with a bore brush and then a clean patch and repeat until the patch comes out clean. I use Hoppe's #9 on my shotguns and it works fine. When you have gotten the bore clean, run an oiled patch through the bore and wipe the exterior with some solvent on a rag and then a dry rag and then some oil on a rag as well.
Wal-Mart sells a basic shotgun cleaning kit for around $8 that will work fine. They also sell a universal kit that contains rifle brushes, pistol brushes, and shotgun as well and costs the same.

 

[MisterHappy]

No to be an alarmist, but please understand that the Stevens shotguns are a "Utility grade" gun. Many were bought to be used, and they were.

If you don't go the Gunsmith route, and your club has people familiar with shotguns, I'd recommend that you bring it by and have a shotgunner look at it. Because of the way they're built, hinge action guns can "loosen up" over time, simply from use. If the gun is, indeed, from '47, there is potential for plenty of use!

The comments above are spot on WRT cleaning.

As for the ammo, assuming the gun is safe, go with a lower "Dram Equivalent - Dr Eq" load ( marked on the box). These guns are on the light side, and can have a sharp recoil. Heavy field loads and high velocity ammo can be memorable!

Not sure where you're from, but Southborough Rod & Gun Club www.srgclub.com has Trap and Skeet on Thursday nights, and old doubles are always welcome!

 

[Kenny474]

No to be an alarmist, but please understand that the Stevens shotguns are a "Utility grade" gun. Many were bought to be used, and they were.

If you don't go the Gunsmith route, and your club has people familiar with shotguns, I'd recommend that you bring it by and have a shotgunner look at it. Because of the way they're built, hinge action guns can "loosen up" over time, simply from use. If the gun is, indeed, from '47, there is potential for plenty of use!

Definitely good advice. It was late when I wrote my comment, and I didn't cover all the bases very well. Thanks MisterHappy.

I own a Steven's 5100 from around '55, and it is a great gun. Not pretty or in the best shape, but it works and works well. I have never shot any more than high brass birdshot, and recoil was stout with that. Where the gun is as old as it is, it would probably be best left to light field loads.

Go clean it up and have it inspected by someone knowledgeable, then have fun with it.

 

[MisterHappy]

Old does not automatically mean unusable....I have a parker that my dad inherited from his uncle that died in the 1918 flu epidemic.....

It's not the years, it's the miles!

 

[newenglandshooter]

OK, so it's a 12 gauge for sure.

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

I just want to make sure it's OK to clean this with Hoppes 9. Also, if anyone could tell me how to line up these sights when shooting, I'd appreciate it. That might be, you know, a good thing to know.

 

[Kenny474]

OK, so it's a 12 gauge for sure.

Pictures of it are on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48679836@N04/sets/72157623919516217/

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

I just want to make sure it's OK to clean this with Hoppes 9. Also, if anyone could tell me how to line up these sights when shooting, I'd appreciate it. That might be, you know, a good thing to know.

It's 100% OK to clean that with Hoppe's #9, just don't use it on the wood. And as far as aiming, you don't "aim" a shotgun. You "point" a shotgun, and the beads are just there for reference. Shooting a shotgun is totally different than a rifle. Unless you are using slugs, you don't aim them as you would a typical rifle or pistol. You look down the barrel and focus on your target, not the beads. You need to keep the gun moving, as you are often shooting at moving targets. As soon as you start to "aim" you will lose your target and miss. Shotgunning is more of an art than a science like using a scope or sights on a rifle. To be truly efficient you must point with the gun much like you would your finger and pay little mind to the beads. As long as your head is down and your eyes are looking down the barrel you will hit what you are pointing at. It takes a lot of practice, and is often difficult for an established rifleman to make the switch and break the habit of aiming.

Here is a link that may give you a better idea on how to use a shotgun.
http://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/guns/shotguns/2005/07/practice-practice

Hope this helps.
Kenny

 

[newenglandshooter]

Thanks Kenny. That does help.

 

[MisterHappy]

If you're local to Hopkinton, I'll be happy to show you the basics of the Art of the Shotgun

I'm at Southborough Rod & Gun Club

www.srgclub.com

The "fit" of the gun is of paramount importance (no fit, no hit) and if you don't have a fit, accurate shooting will be tough, and, likely, uncomfortable, too.

If you want to set up something, feel free to PM me back.

 

[MARINE96]

Great piece of history you have there.