Stevens Browning 620 Marking Question

[MET1288]

I've been looking at a Stevens Browning 620. It shows United Stated Property markings with what appears to be an added S/N and an odd flaming bomb on the left side of the receiver. It is a 20" barrel. It also carries RIA 6-68 and stamp on the bottom of the stock.

I have not been able to find anything close listed in reference books. Thoughts?

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Can we see more pics and more comprehensive? Any signs of a shroud? Could have been brought forward for RVN as a riot...

[MET1288]

I did not notice any shroud or attchment points. It is believed to be a riot type gun. I simply cannot match that marking style to reference books. May I ask what you mean by RVN?

[browningautorifle]

Republic of VietNam...

[MET1288]

Republic of VietNam...

Thank you. I do not have much in the line of better pictures. Is that a marking style that would be correct? I am not familiar with that style flaming bomb (visible to the right of the serial #).

[browningautorifle]

I think the top is missing and not hit hard enough to give a full impression...please stand by, there are others that will confirm this all.

[MET1288]

Thank you much!

[MET1288]

Here are a few other pics. I do not have better to offer yet.

[Tom Doniphon]

The receiver markings are correct. That is how they marked the early made WW2 Military 620 shotguns. The stock markings seem to indicate it was re-worked at Rock Island Arsenal in 1968.

I can't tell by the photo, but how many asterisks are marked on the left side of the barrel next to the receiver? That will confirm whether or not it was originally a riot gun rather than a long barreled shotgun.

[MET1288]

There is a single asterisk, which would lead me to believe this would have originally have been a long barreled gun. If I am correct that would have indicated "full" choke. My question is, and it may not have a good answer, would this be a military modification? Or would this have been a post service modification? I have read from unverified sources that some WWII long barreled guns were cut down/re-worked for future use as riot guns during Vietnam, etc. Thoughts? (And thank you for the info)