Stevens Model 311R and the NYPD

[HC]

I have some questions on the Model 311R "guard gun" with 18.25" barrels. When was this introduced? The earliest reference I could find was 1968.

Furthermore, this gun was famously available to NYPD detectives for a long time. Would someone know in which year it was introduced and whether they are still around? Many thanks!

Cheers

HANS

 

[Fred Fuller]

Hans,

Interesting questions - I wish I could offer you some answers, or sources. But all I can do is bump your thread...

 

[Gordon]

I had an uncle who was an NYPD "Gold Shield" detective from 1948 to when he retired in 1965 (and passed away 2 years later) after 30 years on the force.He took me across from Jersey and into the city with him quite a bit from when I was about 11 years old until high school and we visited where he played drums and vibes off duty and Chic Gaylords gun store. I never saw him have a duty shotgun, but he told me he had an M-1 Carbine and a 20 gauge "whippet" in his 'office'. I presume it was a Savage 311R but maybe not.
I think I heard Pat Rogers say they were phasing out the 311R when he was on the NYPD force, I think early 80s?

 

[GRIZ22]

I can remember seeing NYPD guys qualifying with the doubles in the 90s. I was told by one of the NYPD instructors they felt the doubles were safer and easier to use by guys who didn't normally handle a shotgun.

 

[Gordon]

I found Pat's post:
Pat _Rogers
Moderator posted 02-04-2004 19:03
The 311 was used by Detective Bureau and Narcotics Division cops of NYPD for a long time.
The twice barrel was issued because the FTS did not believe that the average Detective was smart enough to operate a slide action gun (authority Det. Frank Dimario FTS)
They also felt that 2 rounds should be all that was necessary (sigh...)
It was neat because you could disassemble it and carry it in a gym bag or under a jacket until you reached the location.
It was hardly ever deployed, but it was fun to qualify with.
The only DB units that did not use the 311 was Central Robbery Division, which used 13.5" M37's (as did ESU). CRD did investigations as well as stakeout, and had the choice of slug or buck.
I used both, but strongly preferred the Ithaca. Having said that, the 311 was not something that i would be embarresed to have at home.
There is a whole bunch of them still at the Outdoor Range.

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