Is it possible to date a Stevens Shotgun?

[Farmer Dan]

Near as I can figure it was made between 1916 and 1929 but then I was told Stevens didn't start using serial numbers until 1948. Can anyone tell me if I'm in the right ball park or where I can get better information? Does anybody know when they made the model 335 with a serial number?

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/StevensModel3355_zpsa78a6ede.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/LOGO_zps0e4d29f5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/Barrel12_zpsca96f793.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/Modelnumber2_zps6adea8f7.jpg

[godzilla44]

Yes, you could date a Stevens Shotgun, but don't expect much conversation and it would be quite cold to the touch also.

[Huntergreen]

With the action open you should be able to see a letter code stamped on the inside of the receiver.
Serial numbers came after 1968.
I forget exactly,but the letter s=1968,give or take a couple letters,and each proceeding letter indicates a proceeding year.

I lost the link to the page that gives the exact dates,but that is a rough estimation.

Also,consider contacting Savage Co,as they have some people on staff that will help with your task.

[Farmer Dan]

With the action open you should be able to see a letter code stamped on the inside of the receiver.
Serial numbers came after 1968.
I forget exactly,but the letter s=1968,give or take a couple letters,and each proceeding letter indicates a proceeding year.

I lost the link to the page that gives the exact dates,but that is a rough estimation.

Also,consider contacting Savage Co,as they have some people on staff that will help with your task.

There is a circle with the letter I on the bottom of the receiver but nothing any were else on the reciever. Tried Savage they said they couldn't help me.

[cmr19xx]

Try this link. I think it may be the right one with the date codes, but the site is blocked so I can't be sure. If its not, I apologize and will try to find the correct one tonight.

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php?topic=132934.0

I think "I" is 1957.

[Farmer Dan]

Try this link. I think it may be the right one with the date codes, but the site is blocked so I can't be sure. If its not, I apologize and will try to find the correct one tonight.

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php?topic=132934.0

I think "I" is 1957.

That's where I'm getting confussed. In 1940 J. Stevens Arms & Co. changed their name to just "Stevens". So how can this have a pre-1940 logo and a 1957 serial number? I'm not saying your wrong I just can't figure this out.

[45 acp]

It is possable that the barrels are from a newer shotgun.

Product DescriptionEventually known as simply Stevens Arms, the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. was founded in 1864 and produced a number of high-quality firearms before merging with Savage in 1920. While known mainly for their rimfire rifles, Stevens produced a number of fine American shotguns as well, with two models being put into US military use. Produced from 1912 to 1930, the Model 335 is a top lever, break-open, hammerless side-by-side shotgun with a solid rib and extractors. A traditional double trigger cements the 335's status as a classic American double gun.

[cmr19xx]

That's where I'm getting confussed. In 1940 J. Stevens Arms & Co. changed their name to just "Stevens". So how can this have a pre-1940 logo and a 1957 serial number? I'm not saying your wrong I just can't figure this out.

hmm. That's a good question wish I had an answer. You may want to try posting your question at the Shotgunworld forum also.

[DV8r]

Date one? Heck, give it a year or so and you might be able to Marry one! :facepalm:



Near as I can figure it was made between 1916 and 1929 but then I was told Stevens didn't start using serial numbers until 1948. Can anyone tell me if I'm in the right ball park or where I can get better information? Does anybody know when they made the model 335 with a serial number?

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/StevensModel3355_zpsa78a6ede.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/LOGO_zps0e4d29f5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/Barrel12_zpsca96f793.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/Modelnumber2_zps6adea8f7.jpg

[john.41]

Found this on Double Gun.

The No. 335 first appears in Stevens General Catalogue No. 53 around 1910 or 11. It was their entry-level hammerless gun with their new chopperlump barrels and wedge bolting. The higher grades, No. 355, 365, 375 and 385 have a rotary bolt, and the highest three Krupp barrels.

The older J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. doubles had the mono-bloc breech that the barrel tubes screw into. In that series the entry-level was the No. 325 with wedge bolting. Again the higher grades had a rotary bolt and were No. 350 with high pressure steel barrel tubes; the No. 360 with twist barrel tubes; the No. 370 with Dmascus barrel tubes; and the No. 380 with Krupp barrel tubes.

The No. 335 was still in the Stevens line in the 1928 J. Stevens Arms Co. illustrated wholesale price list, but was gone by the 1930.

So... sometime between 1910 & 1930?

[Farmer Dan]

It is possable that the barrels are from a newer shotgun.

Product DescriptionEventually known as simply Stevens Arms, the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. was founded in 1864 and produced a number of high-quality firearms before merging with Savage in 1920. While known mainly for their rimfire rifles, Stevens produced a number of fine American shotguns as well, with two models being put into US military use. Produced from 1912 to 1930, the Model 335 is a top lever, break-open, hammerless side-by-side shotgun with a solid rib and extractors. A traditional double trigger cements the 335's status as a classic American double gun.

The barrels, receiver, forearm, top snap lever and some other parts all carry the same serial number. I posted this same question on the Shotgun world forum but never got a reply.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/farmerdan/Guns/Receiver5_zps3c1b3190.jpg