[absolute0]

I've been wanting a SxS field gun for quite a while now, and a pretty good deal ($200) on a Stevens 315 in 16 guage has presented itself. I'm familiar with the 311 line but had never seen a 315. This particular specimen locks up tight and passes the barrel "buzz" test so it probably wouldn't be a problem child.

Anyone have one of these and care to share their thoughts on the merits of the 315 as an upland gun or the 16 guage as an upland hunting bore?

[Okiecruffler]

Ahh, the 315. I've played with many but only owned one (Springfield by name). Like any of the Savage/stevens SXS's if this one is in good shape it should have several more decades of use in it with a little care. And I could write a book about the 16ga and upland hunting, but what would be the point a few dozen have already been written. There was a time when if a gentleman didn't have a 16ga SXS for upland birds, well he couldn't call himself a gentleman.

[Ed/Pa]

Own and shoot a 20ga. Eastern Arms double (same as the stevens 315) It is used for bird hunting.Somewhere on here I posted the downed birds it took this fall. In my book if that gun is in decent shape buy it!

[absolute0]

I kinda figured I might hear from you OkieCruffler, I know you're a big 311 guy. In what way(s) does the 315 differ from the 311? I've never owned a 2 trigger double before and wonder if I might have trouble getting used to it at my advanced age (40) :rolleyes:

I also wonder if the 16 guage might be a jack-of-all-trades but master of none for me, as I'm fairly well stocked with 12 and 20 guage scatterguns, but lack the 20 guage side by side double that I truly covet.

Ahhhhhh....decisions,decisions

[Okiecruffler]

The only difference in mine was it had that little thin splinter fore end. The only thing I didn't like about it. Had 30 or 32 inch F/F barrels, would have made a dandy waterfowl gun. I've seen a few with the full fore end.
Now my current favorite and forever favorite is my first 311, the 12ga given to me by my G'dad, but if I could only have one all around shotgun it would be a 16ga. Some say the 16 isn't needed anymore due to 3 inch 20 ga shells, but I think the 16 patterns better than the 3 inch 20ga. Now if I didn't reload that would be different. 16ga can be hard to find sometimes.

[Ed/Pa]

difference in the 315 as opposed to the 311 is that the receiver is a tad different and the 315 has a short tang (where the safety is located)
Stocks will not interchange. I know because I restocked mine. Other than that they are pretty darn close in comparison.