Date of Sears Higgins 102.25/Stevens 520A
I have this shotgun and am curious if anybody knows the dates of manufacture. It was my grandfathers and I'd be intersted in knowing it's age.
0
-
520's were made originally by Stevens, starting in the early 1900's. Savage continued production, when they bought out Stevens after the First World War. The last run of 520's were made for the U.S. military, during W W II.
I don't believe any of the 520's would have been identified with either the J.C. "Higgins" or "102.25" type of commercial markings that Sears used on their guns. It's possible that someone rebarreled a early 520 with a shotgun barrel made well after W W II, for a different Sears shotgun.0 -
Sears sold the 520 under the Ranger brand if I recall correctly. 0 -
Here a few pictures. Comes with the Poly Choke, as well. 
0 -
The 520 I had years ago had a rectangular hole, ( for want of a better term ). In the top of the receiver, this was how the bolt locked up, when it was in battery. This "hole" was the unique characteristic feature of these Stevens pump shotguns. If your shotgun has this feature, along with the markings shown in your photos, it's possible that it dates to the tail end of 520 production, during the 1930's. Although I hadn't known that those marking were in use by Sears prior to World War II. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
The 520 I had years ago had a rectangular hole, ( for want of a better term ). In the top of the receiver, this was how the bolt locked up, when it was in battery. This "hole" was the unique characteristic feature of these Stevens pump shotguns. If your shotgun has this feature, along with the markings shown in your photos, it's possible that it dates to the tail end of 520 production, during the 1930's. Although I hadn't known that those marking were in use by Sears prior to World War II.
It does have that feature you describe.0 -
According to my cross references it is a Stevens 520A. So it must be a late 30's production gun to have used the 000.00 type of model identification. Most of the 520's I have seen are actually Montgomery Wards Westernfield guns as far as store brands go. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Wehrmacht_45
According to my cross references it is a Stevens 520A. So it must be a late 30's production gun to have used the 000.00 type of model identification. Most of the 520's I have seen are actually Montgomery Wards Westernfield guns as far as store brands go.
Were they made simultaneously as the 520A? Nice shotgun regardless. I really like the humpback receiver similar to my A-5. Don't care for the Poly Choke, though.0 -
There is a 520A which is a humpback like the Browning Auto 5. The 520 A also has a tang safety. The regular 520 had a stepped humpback reciever more like a military BAR and the suicide safety in the trigger guard. I have both myself, but my 520A was a riot gun. I cant tell you if they were made at the same time or not, but I do believe the 520 came out first.
And of course you see the resemblance to the Auto 5, the 520 was designed by Mr Browning.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Wehrmacht_45
There is a 520A which is a humpback like the Browning Auto 5. The 520 A also has a tang safety. The regular 520 had a stepped humpback reciever more like a military BAR and the suicide safety in the trigger guard. I have both myself, but my 520A was a riot gun. I cant tell you if they were made at the same time or not, but I do believe the 520 came out first.
And of course you see the resemblance to the Auto 5, the 520 was designed by Mr Browning.
Tang safety present. Did not know Browning designed the 520. Nice tidbit of info.0 -
Yep mine says "Browning Patent" 0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
10 comments