This is a very fine example of a World War II U.S. contract Stevens Model 520-30 trench shotgun with the correct 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. The right of the barrel has the three-line Stevens company 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 on the right of the barrel at the breech and left front edge of the receiver. It has an all blue finish with smooth walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with a plastic buttplate. The stock and bayonet lug are correctly fitted with sling swivels. Length of pull is 14 inches.

Fine, retains 80% original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance and some mild cycling wear visible on the magazine tube, a faded circular outline on the left of the receiver, and the bayonet lug adapter showing a plum appearance. The wood is very good, with a large chipped section visible on the right of the wrist behind the receiver, numerous scattered dents and scratches, numerous chips along the left edge of the buttplate, and defined edges in the wood. Mechanically excellent.