New to SxS guns. Two triggers

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USCGKal

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I recently inherited a Stevens Model 311a 20g and it looks to be in pretty good condition. I just wanted to confirm one thing...

The front trigger operates the right barrel, but when I pull the second trigger, nothing happens. I have pulled the stock off to inspect the inner workings and it seems everything is good to go.

Does this gun need to actually fire a shot to use the second trigger? is there anything I can do that can "trick" it into cocking back? just want to make sure everything is good to go so I can put some rounds through it.

Thanks
 
The rear trigger should fire the left barrel without the need of the right barrel firing first. That's why two triggers to start with. This kind of double is essentially two single shots joined together.

There's something mechanical wrong with the gun.. can't tell what, from your description.

Does the hammer fall on the left barrel? Will the rear trigger move at all?
 
done that, no go. when i open and close the barrel, the left hammer will go back, but does not lock back. it does have spring tension on it.
 
No, it doesn't need anything like recoil to make it work - a DT gun is essentially two single shots on one frame. Perhaps you have a broken part preventing it from cocking or firing
 
I will probably take it to a gunsmith, its from the 50s, but is in real good shape. Just needs a good wipedown and some oil. Would like to have this firing both barrels, I am hoping there is something simple thats broke.
 
It might not be broke.

It might just be stuck with old dried oil.

I'd remove the stock and hose it out real good with WD-40 or Gun Scrubber.

Then blow out the WD-40 with compressed air and hose it out again it with Rem-Oil spray.

Then blow that out.

What is left should be just right for lube.

BTW: Some higher grade single-trigger double guns use what is called an inertia trigger.
It depends on recoil from the first barrel re-setting the trigger to fire the second barrel.
With those, you can snap it once, then bump the butt on the floor, or smack it with the palm of your hand to simulate recoil and re-set it to snap the other barrel.

But of course, double trigger guns don't need or use inertia reset.

rc
 
the left hammer will go back, but does not lock back.
Click to expand...

Well then it's probably just the left sear or left side of the sear spring. Could also be the sear notch in the left hammer.
 
Here's pretty much what it looks like inside - http://www.urban-armory.com/diagrams/savagefo.htm

Could be a stuck trigger, or stuck sear (in the disengaged position). If that's the case, what rcmodel said might well get it loose. But I suspect it isn't dried oil or the like, and if that fixed it I'd be surprised. Doesn't mean you shouldn't try it, though.

It's possibly a broken sear or broken sear spring, or broken sear engagement notch on the left hammer (thus, broken hammer). I've seen the hammers in 311s break different ways. Those concealed hammer designs, people don't think about them sitting around cocked for 50 or 75 years. And they can break parts. That's why a set of snap caps are a must for a double gun, I think - so the gun can be stored with its action springs relaxed.
 
I've seen the hammers in 311s break different ways. Those concealed hammer designs, people don't think about them sitting around cocked for 50 or 75 years. And they can break parts. That's why a set of snap caps are a must for a double gun, I think - so the gun can be stored with its action springs relaxed.
Click to expand...

My old Sarasqueta has been left cocked for 40 years. But, I got to thinkin' about it a while back and made me some snap caps with shoe goo and two spent shells and started decocking it for storage. If something ever breaks in THAT one, it's probably a wall hanger as there's not a part in the world for it, I'm sure. But, I got my use out of it and it's still working. :D I wish I'd left it hammers down all those years, though, would feel better about it.

My Spartan coach gun is my bedside gun. I can snap it on snap caps, pull the fore grip off and load it, close the action, put the fore grip on and the hammers are down, floating firing pins are not protruding. Can't do that with the Sarasqueta, though, as the firing pins protrude when the hammers are down, do not float. But, I NOW keep the hammers decocked on my doubles.

Every gun's different, I guess.
 
Same thing happened on my 311 16 gauge. It was the sear spring. Pretty easy fix for a gunsmith. BTW enjoy your 311. I think they a very underrated and a lot of fun to shoot.
 
McGunner - a good smith can fix a broken spring for that Sarasqueta, and there are plenty of good smiths who can fix stocks, hammers, etc. Most Spanish guns share a lot of parts from one or two major makers so don't despair
 
Thanks, oneounce. :D When I'm into a little more cash, I was thinkin' about putting new wood on it and fixing the ol' gal up a bit. I'd like to open up those old mod/Full chokes, too, to IC/Mod. I might actually use the thing again. LOL Probably wouldn't make a lot of sense to spend a bunch on this old gun just from practicality, but it has a lot of memories.
 
I like those old 311s. Try cleaning it as mentioned above. I've seen revolvers so gummed up that they wouldn't set a round off when the hammer fell. It wouldn't so much drop as it would ease itself down.
 
Thanks guys, I will see what I can figure out. I will blast it out first and then take it up to the guy I found that specializes in older firearms
 
If it needs parts, chances are he will have to make them. I needed a sear for one someone brought in, and could not find one anywhere. Had to make one for it
 
Will WD-40 or any of the gun cleaning solvents mess with the "aged" finish? I would hate to lose or discolor the receiver and barrel.

DSCN0235.gif
DSCN0230.gif
 
Will WD-40 or any of the gun cleaning solvents mess with the "aged" finish?
Click to expand...
No.
It will remove old dried oil, but it won't harm the metal finish.

But if you take the stock and barrels off to hose out the action?
Well, you shouldn't get any on the wood or barrels anyway.

rc
 
This is good, timely information. My GF just acquired a Fox model B, which is about the same gun as the 311.

Not to steal the thread, but does anyone have a manual for the 311/Fox B?
 
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