[WildeKurt]

Hi.

I just got my dad's old SxS Stevens 311. It hasn't been fired since 1955. His last hunting license was in a shoe box with some shells. I had a brief go at assembling it but decided against it till after I clean and oil it. Couple of questions though:

1) How do I put it together?

2) How much dissasembly should I do for cleaning and oiling?

3) Any other advice?

Thanks

[DouglasW]

Congratulations, WK. Unfortunately, I'm far from an expert on 311s -- I think that title goes to Okiecruffler (http://www.thehighroad.org/member.php?u=1344) here on THR -- but you might find this old thread (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=98768) useful.

Numrich (http://www.e-gunparts.com/productschem.asp?chrMasterModel=089Zz311A) has the schematic/parts diagram online too:

http://www.e-gunparts.com/images/schematic/089Zz311A.jpg

Any chance we'll get to see pictures of your new/old beauty?

[JohnBT]

"1) How do I put it together?"

Is it in 3 pieces? If so, hook the barrels on the receiver and close the gun. Now, take the fore-end and set the back end right where it looks like it should go. Very carefully squeeze/push/rotate the front end up toward the barrels. It should SNAP into place - watch your fingers.

If it's in more than 3 pieces, well, I'm going to bed. There's always tomorrow. :)

John

[WildeKurt]

For the moment it's three pieces. I started to assemble it, then thought better of it (there's a bit of rust on the fore end I probably ought to take care of first.

Here's a few pics. I took:

[Okiecruffler]

1) See John's post

2) As little as possible

3) Don't disassemble beyond 3 pieces.

I get way too much credit on here. Over the past 20 years I've owned over 2 dozen 311's and 311's incognito, but the innards are still a mystery to me. I've replaced pins and springs once, never again. My best advice to you, hit those rust spots with some oil and wool, put her back together and take her out with a few boxes of field loads. Soon you'll understand at least abit of my sig line. We'll work on the rest latter.

[WildeKurt]

Okiecruffler, I like your advice. I'll get her out in the field as soon as time allows. Thanks

[SASS#23149]

You've inherited a gun that will last practicallyk forever with minimal care.Shoot and enjoy!

[WildeKurt]

I cleaned and oiled the gun and got it together but when I close the barrels the top snap does not return all the way to center, it's slightly to the right. I don't whant to force the lever over. Is this OK? It seems to be locked.

Also, can this gun be dry fired?

[Okiecruffler]

It's not unusual for the lever to not be straight, actually, it's kinda unusual for it to be straight.
Dry firing is probably okay, but snap caps are cheap. And trust me, you don't want to have to replace the pins.

[DouglasW]

It's not unusual for the lever to not be straight, actually, it's kinda unusual for it to be straight.
Dry firing is probably okay, but snap caps are cheap. And trust me, you don't want to have to replace the pins.

I'll second everything the O.C. said:
1. My 311 lever is not exactly straight, but functions perfectly.
2. Snap caps are only a couple of bucks...and they sell them in 2-packs, which is perfect for a nice working SxS shotgun like the 311. :D

[WildeKurt]

Thanks guys. Next stop the range!