If you've ever spent a Saturday morning scouring the dusty corners of a local gun shop, you've probably laid eyes on a stevens model 311 20 gauge double barrel shotgun leaning against the rack. It isn't the kind of firearm that usually sits behind a locked glass case with a velvet backdrop. No, the 311 is a workhorse, a "truck gun" before that term was even a thing, and arguably one of the most reliable side-by-sides ever produced for the American market.
There's something remarkably honest about this shotgun. It doesn't pretend to be a high-end European masterpiece with intricate scrollwork or fancy gold inlays. It's a tool—a solid, heavy, dependable tool that helped generations of hunters put food on the table. Whether you inherited one from your grandfather or found a deal on a used one recently, owning a 311 feels like holding a piece of American history that's still very much alive and kicking.
The Blue-Collar History of Stevens
The Stevens Arms Company, which eventually became part of Savage Arms, knew exactly who their customer was. They weren't looking to sell to the elite trapshooters at exclusive clubs; they were making guns for farmers, woodsmen, and regular folks who needed a shotgun that would work every single time they pulled the trigger.
The Model 311 itself has a bit of a convoluted family tree. It evolved from earlier designs like the Springfield 5100, and over the decades, it saw various tweaks in its manufacturing. But the core DNA remained the same: a hammerless, boxlock action with double triggers and an extractor that popped the shells up just enough for you to grab them. It was produced in massive quantities from the 1920s all the way through the late 1980s. Because so many were made, they remain one of the most accessible entry points for anyone wanting to get into side-by-side shooting today.
Why the 20 Gauge Version is the Sweet Spot
While the 12 gauge gets a lot of the spotlight for its sheer power, I've always felt that the stevens model 311 20 gauge double barrel shotgun is where the design really shines. A 12 gauge 311 can feel a bit like swinging a 4x4 fence post—it's heavy, bulky, and a lot to handle during a long day in the field. But the 20 gauge? It's a different story.
The 20 gauge frame is slightly more svelte, making it much more pleasant to carry through thick brush or over rolling hills. You get a significant reduction in weight without sacrificing much in the way of utility. For upland birds like quail, grouse, or even the occasional pheasant, the 20 gauge is more than enough. Plus, let's be real: your shoulder will thank you after a box of shells. The 311 doesn't have much in the way of sophisticated recoil pads—it's usually a hard plastic or rubber buttplate—so that milder 20 gauge kick is a welcome feature.
Simple Design, Rugged Construction
If you take a stevens model 311 20 gauge double barrel shotgun apart, you won't find any "magic" inside. It's a simple, robust mechanism. This simplicity is exactly why so many of them are still functioning perfectly fifty or sixty years after they left the factory.
The Action and Triggers
The 311 uses a classic double-trigger setup. For those used to modern semi-autos or pumps, this might take a minute to get used to, but it's incredibly intuitive once you've spent an afternoon with it. The front trigger fires the right barrel (usually the more open choke), and the rear trigger fires the left (the tighter choke). It's an "instant" barrel selector that doesn't require fiddling with any buttons. If a bird flushes close, you hit the front trigger. If it's getting away, you go straight for the back one.
Stock Materials: Walnut vs. Tenite
Depending on when your 311 was made, it'll have either a walnut stock or, if it's from the late 1940s or early 50s, a "Tenite" stock. Tenite was an early form of plastic that Stevens used during and after the war when wood was scarce or expensive. While collectors sometimes scoff at the hollow "clack" of a Tenite stock, they've become quite collectible in their own right because of their unique retro look. However, most shooters prefer the traditional walnut. It gives the gun a much better balance and that classic "old-school" aesthetic that just feels right.
Field Performance: How It Actually Shoots
I'll be the first to admit that a stevens model 311 20 gauge double barrel shotgun isn't exactly "lively" in the hands. It lacks the dainty, quick-pointing feel of a high-end bird gun. It's a bit muzzle-heavy, and the barrels are thick. But you know what? That weight actually helps with your swing. It's hard to "stop" your swing on a crossing shot when you've got that much momentum moving forward.
In the field, it's a reliable companion. There's no cycling issues to worry about because there's no cycling mechanism. You break it open, drop two shells in, snap it shut, and you're ready. The safety is usually automatic, meaning it engages every time you open the action—a nice safety feature for a gun that might be handled in rough terrain.
I've found that these guns tend to be choked fairly tightly from the factory. It wasn't uncommon for a 311 to come with Modified and Full chokes, which was the standard back in the day. If you're planning on using it for modern clay games or close-range brush hunting, you might find it a bit tight, but for its intended purpose of taking down game at 30 yards, it's absolutely lethal.
What to Look for When Buying Used
If you're in the market for a stevens model 311 20 gauge double barrel shotgun, there are a few things you should check before handing over your cash. Since these were "budget" guns, they were often treated pretty roughly by their previous owners.
- Lockup: The most important thing is how the gun closes. When the lever is pushed and the action is shut, there should be zero "wiggle" between the barrels and the receiver. If it feels loose or "off-face," it might need professional repair, which can often cost more than the gun is worth.
- The Forend: The 311 uses a spring-tensioned forend that snaps onto a lug on the barrels. Over time, that spring can weaken, or the wood around the metal can crack. Make sure the forend stays firmly attached when you swing the gun.
- Trigger Pull: Give the triggers a test (with snap caps, preferably). They shouldn't be incredibly heavy, but they shouldn't be "hair triggers" either.
- Bores: Since many of these were used in the era of corrosive primers or simply left in damp basements, check the inside of the barrels for pitting. A little frosting is fine, but deep craters are a red flag.
Final Thoughts on a Legend
The stevens model 311 20 gauge double barrel shotgun represents a time when things were built to be used, not just admired. It's not the gun you buy to show off to your buddies at the range; it's the gun you buy because you want a side-by-side that you aren't afraid to take out in the rain or crawl through a briar patch with.
There is a deep sense of satisfaction in hunting with a 311. It connects you to a simpler era of wingshooting. It's a heavy-duty, no-nonsense piece of Americana that still does exactly what it was designed to do nearly a century ago. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a young hunter looking for your first double-gun, the Stevens 311 in 20 gauge is a choice you'll likely never regret. It's a keeper, plain and simple.