This is an excellent example of a very desirable World War II U.S. Army 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 sport 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/Ordnance 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 black plastic buttplate. The stock and bayonet lug are correctly fitted with sling swivels. Length of pull is 14 inches. Includes a 1942 dated U.S. canvas ammunition pouch and olive drab green canvas sling.

Exceptional, retains 97% plus original blue finish overall showing only minor cycling wear, with sharp edges and markings in the metal. Wood is also excellent with defined edges, some light handling marks, and rich oil finish. Mechanically excellent. This is among the finest examples of a U.S. Stevens Model 520-30 trench shotgun we have had the pleasure to offer at Rock Island Auction! This Stevens trench shotgun and the Stevens Model 620 in the next lot make an exceptional pair, both with their collectability and also their matching high condition. You would be hard pressed to find better examples of these World War II U.S. Stevens trench shotguns.