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The eastern arms gun is likely pre-49'
It could be a early 311, or a 5100 or even a 335 or a 315.
Does the opening lever have a slotted screw?
Is it a splinter foreend?
A picture is worth a thousnd words.

Member Joined: 06 Nov 2006 Posts: 128 Location: NE

Britgun,
checked the cross reference in the Gunparts catalog. The only Eastern Arms guns they show, they list as Savage/Stevens/Springfield. However they only reference back to a .22 rifle and a single barrel shotgun, not back to the 311. While their list is a pretty good reference, it is by no means complete as there were so many sub-branded contract guns made. It is quite probable that Stevens did make your gun as they made quite a few different guns for others.
If you don't see the stamping, it probably isn't on your gun, meaning it was made before 1949 when they started.
The 8 sounds like a typical Savage/Stevens assembly or inspector mark, found on many parts of their firearms.

berg

The cross reference section of Bob Hinman's The Golden Age of Shotgunning says: "Eastern Arms Co., a J. Stevens brand, probably started about 1910-15."

You might take a look at a thread on doublegunshop.com called 20ga Ranger from about Dec. 6, 2006 or so (tried to figure out how to post a link to get you there but gave up); most think it's a Stevens 315, and I'm thinking your Eastern might be too even though I haven't seen a pic - just a hunch.

Fin

*Last edited by britgun on Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:23 pm; edited 1 time in total*

...you know, this circled 8 really could be a B, the more I look at it.... I wish I wasn't so ignernt and could post pics on this site.....what is the difference between the 311 and these other models (like the 315) you mentioned? I could take photos and email them to you..... the stock and grip started out really clunky, but Charlie shaved it down and checkered the grip and forend for me... so the stock has been altered, but obviously, the receiver looks the same....if you think it would help, I do know how to email photos, but I'd need to send them directly to those interested, so send me your email addresses like in a PM.... can anything be discerned by the serial number? If so, I'll readily post it....

thanks,

b'gun....

Member Joined: 06 Nov 2006 Posts: 128 Location: NE

Britgun,
If it has the date code, it is a small oval not a circle, and will have both a number and a letter. Just checked one of my Savage 99s - date code (19E) made in '53- and the oval measures about 0.15" x 0.165", numbers and letter are about 0.08" tall. I don't think you could fit one of the serial # numbers in the oval, and it is much, much lighter. If I remember right, you said you had a 99, if it was made after '49, look on the front of the lever hinge you will see the code and will have a better idea of what it looks like.
But I'm betting your shotgun is older and doesn't have it.
I don't know much about the different Stevens models so I'm afraid I am not much help with a positive id. You could try over at the savage collectors forum at the 24hourcampfire.com. Those guys are mainly into 99's but they might be of some help.

berg

My best guess is a 335. I have seen one 5100 w/ the slotted screw. Savage/Stevens was famous for using up older model parts on newer models.
Save a search on gunbroker. Stevens/Shotguns. I watch them all the time. You will see at least one 335. It has been there a while.
I am certain yours was built pre-49' hence no date code.
berg is very correct about the date code.
Thanks for measuring!

check this out.
even has the 8 in a circle
http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=64037856

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

Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 2

Britgun: Mine sure looks like an 8 also.

I just got mine today. What timing!

that has to be made by whoever made mine....it's got the same little 8 for sure...... now, how do we determine which of those 3 mfg cos. made ours?

Stevens.

Ditto on the Stevens. Wider pic would have helped, but the 101.7 is a Sears part # as well. I have two newer 101.7's mid 60's. Both of mine are Savage 311's.