A martial variant of a John Browning designed sport gun, the 520 trench shotgun 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. Correct bayonet lug adapter and ventilated handguard. The right side of the barrel has the three-line Stevens Company address. The left side has the two-line gauge markings "PROOF TESTED-12 GAUGE/-2 3/4 INCH CHAMBER-". Choke gauges at cylinder. The left side of the receiver is stamped "MOD. 520-30", and it has the correct "P/Ordnance Bomb" proof on the barrel and right front edge of the receiver. It has an all blue finish with smooth forearm and pistol grip stock with a black plastic buttplate. The stock and bayonet lug are correctly fitted with sling swivels. "SIL" stamped on the bottom of the pistol grip. Length of pull is 14 inches. Includes a MILSCO M1907 leather sling. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Fine, retains 60% plus original blue finish with areas turning to smooth brown patina, and defined markings in the metal. Wood is very good with some light scratches and handling marks, a crack on the left rear of the forearm, a spliced and repaired section with a crack through it on the right of the wrist above the lower tang, and otherwise defined edges. Mechanically excellent.