Steven 620 trench and what to do with it...

[Spartan117]

Hey all. First post, but a long time reader here.

Anyway, what compelled me to finally join was because I'm in a quandry. So a few months back I was at a ridiculous gun auction here in Wyoming back in September and a pristine Steven 620 trench gun crossed the block. Being in Wyoming, I expected it to fetch a decent amount, but was shocked when the hammer fell at 3000. I personally have an affination with military long guns and shotguns and pistols have have come in a close second for me. I've always wanted a trench gun but never seemed to find one that was within my means.

Fast forward to late December and I'm at a gun show perusing the aisles seeing if I could find a deal. I mosied over to one dealer that had a number of older antique and military firearms and old hunting shotguns. After looking, nothing really caught my eye and was about to head down the line when something did catch my eye. It was a short barrel with three groves on the bottom. I thought to myself "no f'ing way". Picked up the old thing and hello! Stevens 620 Trench gun! But, at some point in it's life, this old trench gun had been turned into a hunting gun. Can't imagine it killed that many birds in it's day...krauts or imperials maybe, but i know from experience you can't hit a pheasant with that tiny barrel. Anyway, after a bit of haggling, I walked away with it. Didn't get a killer deal, but I thought I made out ok. Got it home and started to take it partially apart to clean it and find out what the hell was rattling around. Pulled it apart and someone was using a broken arrow shaft as a plug. Then I noticed that it was not a numbers matching gun. About 300 difference between the reciever and the barrel assembly. Still have yet to take the stock off to see if those numbers match.

My question to you fellas is a tricky one. What do I do with it? I already have have a guard and bayonet lug from Taylor LLC which is in the white. But what to do from here? Do i leave it as is or do I do the unthinkable and "restore" it. I know a number of purists here would consider it heresy to "fix" or "restore" an old gun. But it was missing the original bayonet lug/guard and butt plate and the barrel was machined to accept a muzzle brake. So, again i pose the question; "what do i do?"

I didn't pay that much for the shottie and the bayonet lug/guard was a Christmas gift. I have some bluing material but I've only played with the stuff and have yet to actually re-blue a gun. What should I do here guys cause I'm at an impasse. Do I go right or left? Check out the photos and please lemme know what your thoughts/opinions are. Much appreciated and a pre-emptive thank you!

And please forgive me on the quality of the photos. I left my digital at work and all I had was my phone.

-C

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[jmoore]

I don't think I'd refinish it. If the adaptor goes on without drama, just do that. It would hide the worst of the muzzle modifications. The buttstock ought to be repaired or replaced if you intend on shooting it. I'd lean towards a relacement stock for range time. The old stock can be left "as is" in that case.

But if you do decide to restore it, have it done professionally. The muzzle can possibly be sleeved and then the whole thing could be refinished. Leave the touch-up bluing for small repairs to minor parts.