Lot 127

WWII U.S. Stevens Model 520-30 Trench Shotgun with Original Box

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WWII U.S. Stevens Model 520-30 Trench Shotgun with Original Box

Estimate: $10,000 - $18,000

Starting Bid: $9,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Outstanding, As Issued World War II U.S. Stevens Model 520-30 Slide Action Trench Shotgun with Rare Original Box Rock Island Auction Company is honored to present this absolutely outstanding World War II U.S. Stevens Model 520-30 trench shotgun: an extreme rarity remaining in its original unassembled state and virtually as issued. It is accompanied by its original factory box with matching serial number on the lid and an end label confirming it as a Model 520-30 and 12 gauge, and the box also contains an original manual. The 520 trench gun is a martial variant of a John Moses Browning designed sporting gun and 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. An improvement on the 520 with the safety relocated to the top of the receiver was designated as the Model 520-30. Seeing potential for the gun on the police market, Stevens kept production going until 1932. At the outbreak of World War II, the U.S. government bought every one of the Model 520-30 shotguns that were still in the warehouse. Although not in production for nearly a decade, the manufacturing tooling was still available and operable, and just over 35,000 of these shotguns were completed and delivered to the U.S. government during World War II. That total includes the three variants: trench guns, riot guns, and training guns. These shotguns were well received by their users who favored their slam fire capability. The vast majority of these saw widespread use in the field in World War II where demand was high, but this example is an rare exception and remains in the same condition as they were when they were first placed in soldiers' hands. The shotguns were checked back into the arsenals at the end of the war, and many were sent back into the field during the Korean War and Vietnam War. This U.S. Stevens Model 520-30 trench shotgun features the proper bayonet lug adapter and ventilated six-hole handguard. The right of the barrel has the three-line Stevens company address, and the left has the two-line gauge markings. The barrel properly gauges at cylinder. The left of the receiver is stamped "MOD.520-30" ahead of "U.S.", and the correct "P" above a flaming bomb proof is on the right of the barrel at the breech and left front edge of the receiver. Matching serial numbers are marked on the lower tang and concealed left side of the takedown area of the barrel. It has a military type factory blue finish and a smooth walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with a serrated plastic buttplate. The stock and bayonet lug are correctly fitted with sling swivels. Length of pull is 14 inches.

Manufacturer: Stevens J Arms Co

Model: 520-30

BBL: 20 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 12

Finish: blue

Serial Number64694

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Excellent plus overall, as issued, retains 98% original blue finish with minor handling evidence, a few nicks on the buttplate, and extremely crisp markings and edges. The shotgun remains in its original unassembled state and is mechanically untested. The box is very fine with minor storage wear. This outstanding, as issued, World War II U.S. Stevens Model 520-30 trench shotgun with its original box is about as desirable as it gets for a U.S. military collector! This writer cannot recall ever seeing another 520-30 trench shotgun in the original box!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000