Stevens SxS What model????

[Hunt25]

I just bought a Stevens SxS 12ga at an estate sale. I have a few 311 A's but this one has not model on it. Can anyone tell me what model it is???? I need to buy a butt plate for it.

[Early]

Can you find a serial number?   Pull off the forend and see what you can find on the inside.  Where on the gun do you find the Stevens name?  How about the chamber:  2.5"  or 3"?

 

If all else fails, take the gun down and carry just the butt stock to the next gun show.  There are usually a couple of vender who have used butt plates....just match one up.

[Hunt25]

^{The Stevens name appears on the left side of the receiver along with springfield. There are no marking as far as 2.5 or 3. I have never seen a 2.5 so I was assuming it was a 2 3/4 if you're talking chamber size. I thought about the gun show consider I went to the one in Saratoga last week and I know there was a guy there. I saw a couple places on line for the plate. I was just curious as to the model.}

[Early]

Correct....I meant 2.75". No markings on the barrel, alongside the rib, indicating chamber length or guage.

Lay it alongside your 311...If it looks exactly the same...then it is a 311, with the model # left off because of the Springfield brand.

[Hunt25]

^{It looks almost identicle to my 311's. I also noticed that it is a J. Stevens with Springfield engraved above it as well. I think you may be right. Either way, I just finished rebluing the barrel and it came out beautiful.}

[Early]

Stevens marketed doubles under the Stevens lable, along with Riverside, Springfield and one other that I cannot recall. All were really great field guns, in my opinion.

Care to share your bluing techniques? I have tried a couple of times...lousy results!

[Hunt25]

I start out with Naval Jelly and a rag. I put that on real thick and leave it for about 10-15 minutes to really get rid of the rust and bluing. I then wipe it off with a clean cotton rag. Look at it and see If it needs to be done again. Sometimes I have had to use stripper with another coat. After all of the rust and bluing is done, I then spray it down with brake cleaner. This doesn't leave a film and evaporates pretty quick. I then bring inside and start with some medium steel wool on the rough part and finish with fine steel wool. I even use a dremel if needed. Now I clean it with acetone and wipe down with damp cloth. For bluing I use Brownells bluing creme. I bought a 12 oz bottle and I have done 4 guns with it. Wearing rubber dishwashing gloved I apply the bluing creame pretty thick with a cotton makeup patch (little cotton disc) and keep apllying it until it has about a 1/8" coating on it and leave it for about 2 minutes. I then wipe with a dry cotton rag and use the fine steel wool over it not rubbing it too much but jst enough to let it shine. I usually do about 4-6 coats depending on how dark I need it. The last coat is wiped off and I let it sit at room temp for about an hour and then heavily wipe it with WD-40. You should be good to go after that.

[Early]

Many thanks....I will certainly try your approach.