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Lee Lapin · March 3, 2010, 10:32 PM

Most likely that's the serial number. If it has a 'suicide safety' then it's an old one. They changed it later to a crossbolt safety behind the trigger, then on the 520-30 changed it again to a top tang safety. On the oldest 520s the action release is a button on the left side of the receiver above the trigger, then they moved it to the more usual place on the left of the back of the trigger guard.

The patent was filed for in 1903, Stevens built the first 520s in 1904. The streamlined receiver 620 (mechanically the same gun) was introduced in 1927, and the 520 was discontinued in 1932.

I like the old guns a lot, you should be aware (if you aren't already) that this design, like several of the older pumpgun designs, lacks a disconnector. That means as long as there's ammo in the magazine that the gun will fire every time it's pumped while the trigger is held back. Trigger finger discipline is important with these...

lpl

March 3, 2010, 10:32 PM	#3
Lee Lapin Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2004 Location: SE NC Posts: 1,239	Most likely that's the serial number. If it has a 'suicide safety' then it's an old one. They changed it later to a crossbolt safety behind the trigger, then on the 520-30 changed it again to a top tang safety. On the oldest 520s the action release is a button on the left side of the receiver above the trigger, then they moved it to the more usual place on the left of the back of the trigger guard. The patent was filed for in 1903, Stevens built the first 520s in 1904. The streamlined receiver 620 (mechanically the same gun) was introduced in 1927, and the 520 was discontinued in 1932. I like the old guns a lot, you should be aware (if you aren't already) that this design, like several of the older pumpgun designs, lacks a disconnector. That means as long as there's ammo in the magazine that the gun will fire every time it's pumped while the trigger is held back. Trigger finger discipline is important with these... lpl __________________ Mindset - Skillset - Toolset. In that order! Attitude and skill will get you through times of no gear, better than gear will get you through times of no attitude and no skill.