Stevens Model 520-30

Stevens · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1942

Also known as: Model 520-30, Stevens Trench Gun, Stevens-Savage 520-30, Shotgun M520-30

Overview

The Stevens Model 520-30 is the World War II military trench-gun variant of John Browning's hammerless 'humpback' pump-action shotgun, built by the J. Stevens Arms division of Savage. Chambered in 12 gauge with a 20-inch cylinder-bore barrel, it was fitted with a perforated steel heat shield and a bayonet lug for the M1917 bayonet, and issued to US forces as a trench, riot and guard gun. It fed five 2.75-inch shells from a tubular magazine.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3400 g (119.9 oz)
Overall Length1010 mm (39.76")
Barrel Length508 mm (20.00")
Action TypePump Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeTube
Muzzle Velocity400 m/s (1312 fps)
Muzzle Energy2560 J (1888 ft·lbf)
Effective Range40 m (44 yd)
Barrel RiflingNone
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialWood
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishParkerized

Calibers

Features

Base model

Stevens-520

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Estimated total produced: 33,306 · Production years: 1942-1945

US government procurement figure for the military Model 520-30 trench gun

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: John Browning

Discontinued: 1945

Notes

The 520-30 was an improved wartime version of the earlier Model 520A, with a redesigned heat shield and bayonet adapter. Roughly 33,306 Model 520-30 trench guns were procured for the US military between 1942 and 1945. Sporting versions of the parent Model 520 used 711 mm (28 in) or 762 mm (30 in) barrels; the trench gun used a 508 mm (20 in) barrel. Empty weight is commonly cited at about 7.5 lb (3.4 kg).

Background

A classic American trench gun: Browning's distinctive humpback hammerless pump action wrapped in a ventilated steel heat shield with a bayonet lug, the Stevens 520-30 was issued for brutal close-quarters and guard work in the Second World War.