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Anyone know when a model 1500 with the serial numbers 94486 might have been made?

Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 1480 Location: Mpls, MN.

Are you sure that isn't a model 5100?
Best,
Ted

Member Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 743

Agree with Ted--think you flipflopped a number there, likely a 5100.

I don't know of any serial number chart for dating a Stevens. You may very well find an April 1915 patent date on the receiver, if you pull the barrels. Cannot recall whether the 5100 was discontinued after WWII, but I think maybe it was--leaving only the 311 in production.

Discontinued in 1949 I believe, but don't quote me! And before that serial numbers on a Stevens were few and far between.

Sorry guys for the model # mixup. Must have been having a senior moment Embarassed

. Do you think this gun would have been made in Chicopee Falls? This is a 16 ga. gun would it be comparable to a 16 ga. Nitro Special in weight and handling characteristics? I had a 12 ga. 311 from the 70's that handled like the proverbial pig on the end of a shovel. I have a Nitro from the late 20's with too much drop in the stock for me would this gun have more modern dimensions?

Rick

Probably was made in Chicopee Falls; does it say so on the barrels? The 5100's are good, solid guns; I've got three of them and I wouldn't trade them for any Nitro I ever saw; to me they're easily the equal but not everyone here will agree with me. I'd guess they might be a little heavier than a Nitro but I've never compared them side by side (no pun intended Very Happy

) ; my 5100 16ga weighs right at 7 lbs. The dimensions should be pretty good; mine seem to be fine for me. Believe me, they will handle much better than your 70's-era 311; with Stevens guns, earlier is better! Good luck...

Fin

Member Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 743

Agree with F2F about earlier Stevens being better--definitely! Compared to a Nitro . . . the market will certainly tell you that a Nitro is a better gun, in the sense that it will cost more. And my personal preference, between the two, would be a Nitro. They're typically a bit lighter, for one thing. But an old 5100 will almost certainly handle better than a much newer 311.

I think the reason the market "thinks" they're better is the Lefever name; of course, they're not Lefevers by any stretch. They're Ithaca made, and even there, the Ithaca name holds more sway than does Stevens because of the higher grade guns Ithaca made. But in this relm of bottom-feeders ( Very Happy

) I just don't think there's much difference. Just the humble opinion of a guy who spent many happy days afield with Stevens guns when I couldn't afford anything else! Can't go wrong with either; both are strongly built and will probably outlast us all!

Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 30 Location: West Tennessee

The model 311 started as the Springfield 5000 around 1920 with model designation changing to 5100 in 1931. Around 1940 it became the Stevens model 311. It was discontinued in 1989.

If it was manufactured between 1949 and 1968 there should be a small circle with a number and letter stamped between the trigger and the hinge pin. The letter reflects the year of manufacture.

A to N = 1949 - 1961
P = 1963
R to V = 1964 - 1968

Hope this helps

Jesse168

Thanks for all the info. I was the high bidder this morning on Gunbroker for this model 5100. $420 plus shipping and FFL fees. I don't think I did too bad. Don't really need it, have a Grulla and an Uggie sidelock in 16 ga. but it will make a wet weather, loaner gun and a spare gun to take to Mich. this fall and not worry too much about leaving it locked in the truck along a lonely country road. Will let you all know how I like it when I get it.

Rick

Rick, if you wanted a wet weather gun, loaner, don't give a crap about, why didn't you just get one o the revs woringworth tomato stakes?? He's seen the light and has nothing but praise for the elsie's