Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns Need background on a 20 gauge Stevens 311A

Hi fellas,

I still have the first firearm I ever owned--a Stevens model 311A, side-by-side double-barrel 20 gauge. I got to looking at it last week and was wondering how old it is and if there is any reason to keep it. I'm not particularly sentimental and am thinking about getting rid of it since I haven't shot it in 10 years and have no sons that will ever want it.

It has 28" barrels. 2 3/4" chambers. 2 triggers. The lengths of pull are 12.5" to the back trigger, 13.5" to the front. Original hard plastic butt plate. I got it for my birthday in 1979. It's in nice shape, but has some wear that you might expect from an older shotgun.

Does anybody know how old it is or what it might be worth? I have checked a couple auction sites and have seen a wide variety of prices, but always on 12 gauges. I am yet to see a 20 gauge for sale.

I appreciate any info you can provide!

Thanks!

Wade, 30th Blue Book puts the 12 gauge at $275.00 for 100%, $235.00 for 98%, $200.00 for 95%, and $175.00 for 90%; you add 20% to those figures for a 20 gauge 311. That said, I have noted the lower grade (value grade) American made doubles demand higher prices than Blue Book publishes among the Cowboy action shooters (check out the SASS forums on their website). Most of those guys will pay a premium for a good condition American made double.

Thanks Colonel!

I had one in the 60s and 70s when I was a student and couldn't afford much beyond the bare basics. I shot so many pheasants with it it was just crazy. Bare bones, fence-post-plain, not-worth-much shotgun; at least my model wasn't but kind of wish I had it yet anyway; yours sounds just like I remember mine.