Savage Stevens 511 SXS ?

noweil Mike

noweil Mike

Well-known member
I recently walked in a store and they had a clean Stevens 511 20 gauge side by side used for $229. I know what the 311's were but know nothing about the 511's. It looked better built than the Stoegers on the shelf. I walked out, but keep thinking that little 20 gauge would have been fun to shoot. It was not a fine sxs, and was not beautiful, but felt fine on the shoulder. Are 511's worth anything? Any major defects?

There seems to be a lot of SXS talk on here from time to time.
 
I didn't find much on the 511 in the digging I did. My "Gun Digest Book of FIREARMS ASSEMBLY/DISASSEMBLY Part V: Shotguns Revised Edition" states: "Some models of the Fox double, and the Springfield Model 511, have internal mechanisms that are practically the same." My 10th edition "GUN TRADER'S GUIDE" (1983) doesn't even list the 511.

My very humble opinion is that the 311 and 511 are very basic guns that wear their quality on their sleeve. You will never make a great gun out of one but they are reliable and can be shaped and prettied up significantly. Parts are very available and unless cocked for long periods they are reliable. If left cocked for long periods they will require new hammer springs. My 1930's M 311 16 ga is on it's third set of springs (& 2nd butt stock fitted w/a pad). My opinion, if you want a solid inexpensive SxS that should hold it's value but will never be a "good" investment, go for it. About a month ago I grabbed an add off the club wall for a 3", 20 ga, M 311 for $250. I called, but it was too late - Sold! On a private sale, do take 2 to 6 primed hulls to pop off and prove the firing pin springs, safeties and all around functioning. Some of these guns have seen a bunch of abuse/neglect over the last 1/2 century or more.

Good luck,
Scott
 
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As I was perusing Williams Gunsights list of used shotguns....I think they had a 511 and it had a "Tenite" stock. I remember the old 22/410 o/u's with those woodgrain plastic stocks and they are kinda collectible now. If I remember right, they were asking 2-300 for it.
 
Do you want the gun as an investment or a shooter? If it fits and you like it, it is worth it That kind of money doesn't buy many guns these days.

Double Gun Journal did an article on Stevens in the winter 2007 issue. Other than the 311, the only other models listed are:330,530, and 5100. Many parts are interchangeable and the various models only have slight variations. The model B is basically a dressed up 311. No 511 was mentioned in the article.
 
none of my reference material has a 511 listed, but there is one gunsamerica. sorry can't really help, unless is made in a 3rd world country like brazil then I would stay away even at that price.
 
I never have bought for the investment side of things (too little money). I like toys that I can use and not feel bad about dragging through the stuff. That being said, it is nice to know you can recoup your money if needed without too much of a kick in the wallet.

The 511 is used, but in good shape. Made in the USA. I talked to a local authority and he said they are ok shooters just not pretty. At $229 it would have been fun. Maybe I will have to stop back at the store.
 
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