This is a very fine example of a World War II U.S. contract Stevens Model 520-30 trench shotgun with the bayonet lug adapter and ventilated six-hole handguard. A martial variant of a John Browning designed sporting gun, the 520 trench gun was originally developed in response to a World War I request for new fighting shotguns for the American Expeditionary Force. It made a strong impression on the evaluators but did not make it into the field before the armistice was signed. Seeing potential for the gun on the police market, Stevens kept production going until 1932, and at the outbreak of World War II, the U.S. government bought every 520 that was still in the warehouse. Checked back into the arsenals at the end of the war, many were sent back into the field for the Korean War and Vietnam War. The right of the barrel has the three-line Stevens/Savage company Chicopee Falls address, and the left has the two-line gauge markings. Choke gauges at cylinder. The left of the receiver is stamped "MOD.520-30" ahead of "U.S.", and the correct "P" above a flaming bomb proof is on the right of the barrel at the breech and left front edge of the receiver. The stock and bayonet lug are correctly fitted with sling swivels. Length of pull is 14 inches.

Very fine, retains 80% original blue finish, showing a proper plum hue on the bayonet lug adapter, moderate light cycling wear on the magazine tube, areas of smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, minor spotting and light handling marks. Wood is also very fine with some scattered light handling marks and defined edges. Mechanically excellent.