Stevens Model 520
Stevens · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1909
Also known as: Model 520-30, Stevens Trench Gun, Stevens-Savage 520
Overview
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.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1022 mm (40.24") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Pump Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Wood |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Humpback Receiver, Internal Hammer, Side Ejection, Tubular Magazine, Perforated Heat Shield, Bayonet Lug
Variants
- Stevens Model 520-30 — Trench Gun
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · as Shotgun, Trench, M520-30
- United States Navy
- United States Marine Corps
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 35,306 · Production years: 1909-1945
Government purchase figure for the military 520-30 (1942-1945); additional civilian production not fully documented
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John Browning
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
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.
Background
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.