Western Field SB30A (520) U.S. Marked??

[Pinmaster]

I picked up a Western Field SB30A Riot shotgun over the weekend. It is Montgomery Wards version of the Stevens 520 (not 520A or 520-30). It has a 20-inch barrel, safety inside the trigger guard and is in the 26,000 serial number range. I picked it up because it appears to be hand-stamped U.S. on the right side of the receiver. In addition, there is a flaming bomb cartouche on the right side of the stock close to the receiver. There are no "choke" marks on the barrel but it measures to CYL. The only writing on the barrel is "Browning Patent" with 12 gauge Proof tested under that.

I have Canfields book on the way and Poyers too. I hope that they arrive this week.

From what I can find out on forums, it might be a WWI or pre-WWII U.S. shotgun. Does anyone here have any information on the Western Field shotguns that may have been used by the military?

If it is not a "US" gun I will enjoy it (shoot it)... It is a nice size and has an old school "cool" factor to me since it has the Browning looking double hump receiver.

Thanks

Information

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[Tom Doniphon]

It's not a Military contract shotgun.

It might be a shotgun that was acquired under the Blanket Procurement Program at the beginning of WW2 when civilian shotguns were turned over to the Government for use.

Can you show us a photo of the marks?

[Pinmaster]

It's not a Military contract shotgun.

It might be a shotgun that was acquired under the Blanket Procurement Program at the beginning of WW2 when civilian shotguns were turned over to the Government for use.

Can you show us a photo of the marks?

I will take & post pics when I get home from work this afternoon.

The "marks" do not look like any other WWII shotguns that I have seen so it may be a "fake". It has been parkerized so it may just end up as a neat looking shooter/Home defense gun.

Thanks

[Pinmaster]

Pics added:

I used a white china marker so the stamps would be more visiable.



Stock "cartouche"





The "U.S." marks on the right side of the receiver.


The Western Field markings


Barrel "Browning Patent" markings

[Mark Baker]

I'd say fake!

Parkerized over pitting, and of course it's the old style Stevens, not the 520-30 without the "hump".

Still neat , as you said the cool factor.

Just my take on it.

Mark

[Pinmaster]

Thanks for the reply Mark

any ideas on how the stock stamp was faked? I collect garands and know a bit about how to tell if their cartouches have been faked. When it comes to shotguns I am clueless... The shotgun books that I ordered have yet to come in the mail

[Pinmaster]

Friday bump anyone else have any comments?

[Sgt Rock]

Here is a Ward's Western Field Riot with U.S. markings. Like the Stevens, the gun will be matched - front end, receiver, buttstock. Also, the riots have an identifying characteristic, anyone care to guess??







Sorry about the pictures, I wanted to respond to the post so I just took some quick ones...

[Pinmaster]

NICE Riot you have there Sgt Rock. Thanks for taking the time to post pic's

[jackmorse]

gUESS! THE SMALL FLAMING BOMB AND P PROOF ARE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BRL JUST IN FRONT OF THE RECEIVER. oN THE TRENCH GUN THE MARKS ARE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF BRL.

RESPECTFULLY JACKMORSE.