Recently found a Stevens/Savage 311H that appears to have never been fired; in other words, new.

Took a lot of cleaning to get the old gummy oil and dust out of the works, but all appears to be working fine now. My one concern is that the barrel release lever (is that what we call it) or safety or cocking lever does not line up exactly fore and aft when the barrels are closed. By appearances, it appears to be safe, in that the business end of the lever is square cut, and the receptacle for it between the barrels is a ramp. I have seen postings where heavy usage has eventually caused the lever to wind up left of center upon closing, indicating a great deal of wear, but never one where it's to the right (how many new 311's are there out there?).

Looks safe enough to me, but before I blow myself up, thought I'd see if anyone knows about this. Thanks for any replies.

Its not uncommon for some new break open shotguns to have levers that are slightly to the right of center. This is more common among the less expensive makes than in the high priced ones. It will soon wear in and move toward the center when locked. I have not had a Stevens/Savage 311, but my Browning BSS was like that.

It is also common, even among the more expensive makes, for the action to be stiff to open and close when new. This also becomes smoother with use. A friend recently bought an almost new BT99 trap gun for his daughter which is very stiff to open and close. In contrast, my BT99, which has fired thousands of shots, will smoothly drop open when the lever is pushed.

Appreciate your insights. I'm used to the trusty 870, which has been happy to be loose as a goose since day 1, but a pump is a lot different than an SxS, which I've never owned before. I have noticed that after the thorough cleaning and a few dozen (make that quite a few dozen) open/close sequences, the 311 has been smoother to operate.

Thanks!

I have a 311H that looks the same when closed, lever slightly to the left, and has been that way from new or a long time at least, judging the wear the lever has done against the tang. This gun was bought used at a yard sale awhile back has been used but not excessively, probably just hunted with from the looks of of the wear, the fact that it is still a tad stiff opening, like it still needs to be broken in, and that I bought it at a farm house. It locks up nice and snug and shoots fine.

Is good that you cleaned well otterjohn. I worked one a bunch of years ago THAT WOULD FIRE WITH THE SAFTEY ENGAGED. Old oil and crud were the culprut. Most folks just clean the bores. That is probably a good thing for the most part, but all firearms need some TLC at some point.

I agree with the "wear in factor" posted by IrvS and MarlinF. I've never been near a new one, but it makes sence that they would build them "tight" so as to wear "smooth" with use.

Iowaloha! It is nice to meet you.

Cheezywan

I agree with the others. I have a 311 that traveled the US with me, in my seabag, and has seen use coast to coast. The breeching lever has never aligned but the lugs are tight and crisp. Thats where the safety factor is, in the lugs.

I have seen and handled a W. W. Greener from the 1880's with Damascus barrels that has had hundreds of smokeless heavy loads fired from it. It rattles and rolls but has never come loose, anywhere. Amazing!

A new/like new 311 is a heck of a find!

Recently found a Stevens/Savage 311H that appears to have never been fired; in other words, new.

Took a lot of cleaning to get the old gummy oil and dust out of the works, but all appears to be working fine now. My one concern is that the barrel release lever (is that what we call it) or safety or cocking lever does not line up exactly fore and aft when the barrels are closed. By appearances, it appears to be safe, in that the business end of the lever is square cut, and the receptacle for it between the barrels is a ramp. I have seen postings where heavy usage has eventually caused the lever to wind up left of center upon closing, indicating a great deal of wear, but never one where it's to the right (how many new 311's are there out there?).

Looks safe enough to me, but before I blow myself up, thought I'd see if anyone knows about this. Thanks for any replies.

i think if it locks up tight it should be alright. i love those 311's. i just bought another one off of gunbroker last week for $190. stock was cracked but i had another one in my cabinet that i had re-finished and it fit perfectly. i also bout last week a savage fox model b which is close to the 311 for my grandson. you wont be sorry you bought your im sure.

Thanks, everybody, for all of the replies. When it comes to firearms, I'd rather be safe than sorry; figure it's better to appear ignorant than to assume.

It is funny how life works-I poked around locally for years trying to find a 311 in good condition, couldn't, and gave up. This one found ME. . . and heck, after pricing a nice Benelli, mama didn't even mind writing a check for the 311 (I'll remember this little trick for future reference)!

Well, took the 311 down to the local trap club today to see what would happen at the pattern board.

Doggone, shoots right where it's pointed! Put a box of 6's through it, no problems, triggers are consistent, and of course it's got the classic Stevens modified right, full left chokes. Actually a darn nice shooter (it would be better if'n I could remember that I'm working with two triggers).

A feller wandered over to tell me that it's a "behind the seat gun" and that there were some shotguns there today costing $12-$30k. That was great to hear. But gotta say, there was nobody with a bigger grin out there than me.