Stevens · Shotgun

Stevens Model 520

Name: Stevens Model 520
Brand: Stevens

Pump action · 12 Gauge · introduced 1909

Also known as Model 520-30, Stevens Trench Gun, Stevens-Savage 520

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About the Stevens Model 520

The Stevens Model 520 is a John Browning-designed pump-action shotgun with a distinctive hammerless 'humpback' receiver, made by the J. Stevens Arms company. Chambered primarily in 12 gauge, it served the US military as the 520-30 trench/riot gun in both World Wars, fitted with a perforated steel heat shield and a bayonet lug. Civilian sporting versions were offered in 16 and 20 gauge.

The Stevens 520-30 was one of the classic American 'trench guns' - a 20-inch barrel topped with a ventilated heat shield and a bayonet lug for the M1917 bayonet, built on Browning's distinctive humpback hammerless pump action for brutal close-quarters work.

Stevens Model 520 specifications

General

Type: Shotgun
Action: Pump action
Firing mechanism: Hammer-fired
Trigger: Single stage
Calibres: 12 Gauge
Magazine capacity: 5 rounds
Magazine: Tubular magazine

Dimensions

Barrel length: 508 mm (20.0 in)
Overall length: 1022 mm (40.2 in)
Weight (empty): 3.60 kg (7.94 lb)

Barrel

Rifling: None

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Slide: Wood
Stock: Wood
Finish: parkerized

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 400 m/s (1312 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 2560 J (1888 ft·lb)
Effective range: 40 m

History

Introduced: 1909
Discontinued: 1945
Production status: Discontinued
Country of origin: US
Designer: John Browning

Features

Humpback receiver
Internal hammer
Side ejection
Tubular magazine
Perforated heat shield
Bayonet lug

Safety

Cross bolt safety

The military 520-30 trench gun used a 508 mm (20 in) barrel; sporting versions used 711 mm (28 in) or 762 mm (30 in) barrels. The US government purchased roughly 35,306 units between 1942 and 1945. Introduction year is cited as 1909 or 1910 by different sources; the design was refined into the simpler Stevens Model 620 in 1927.