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Stevens Model 530a 410
- Thread starter bozoman
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Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
Poking around on the Web a little, I'd say it should have been made in the late 1930s to mid 1950s. ( http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=98768 ) Not really all that old as guns go. If it's made for modern smokeless powder ammo, and is tight mechanically, it should be fine. The payload in the buckshot shell shouldn't actually weigh more than birdshot after all. And the powder charge should be approximately the same also, or should be indicated 'maximum load' or such on the box.
000 buck is .350" in diameter, even with full chokes (and I think your double is likely full and full, if it's original) the diameter of the buckshot shouldn't be a problem in a .410" bore. Full choke is mostly listed as .030" constriction, so .410"- .030" = .380". Getting a string of .35" projectiles out of a .38" muzzle should not present a problem your gun can't handle, assuming it's in good shape otherwise.
You can use the 'fencepost test' if you're really worried about it- tie the gun securely to a post in such a way that it won't get scratched/damaged when fired, muzzles securely upright, and pull the trigger from a safe distance/from behind cover with a string(s). Or have a local 'smith check it out for you- more scientific, but costs more too... .
As to the safety thing, my mom kept a little 20 ga. Stevens 311 that I cut down to fit her handy for a long time with chambers loaded and safety on for years. Restricting access to the gun is the safety issue when it is primed and ready to fire just by taking the safety off. She kept her shotgun well hidden in case anyone got in the house so it wouldn't get stolen, I suggest you find a good place for yours that is out of sight yet easily accessible. I don't want to disclose her hiding place here but go over your bedroom thinking like a smash-and-grab thief, and see what hiding places you can find or relatively easily make.
hth,
lpl/nc
000 buck is .350" in diameter, even with full chokes (and I think your double is likely full and full, if it's original) the diameter of the buckshot shouldn't be a problem in a .410" bore. Full choke is mostly listed as .030" constriction, so .410"- .030" = .380". Getting a string of .35" projectiles out of a .38" muzzle should not present a problem your gun can't handle, assuming it's in good shape otherwise.
You can use the 'fencepost test' if you're really worried about it- tie the gun securely to a post in such a way that it won't get scratched/damaged when fired, muzzles securely upright, and pull the trigger from a safe distance/from behind cover with a string(s). Or have a local 'smith check it out for you- more scientific, but costs more too... .
As to the safety thing, my mom kept a little 20 ga. Stevens 311 that I cut down to fit her handy for a long time with chambers loaded and safety on for years. Restricting access to the gun is the safety issue when it is primed and ready to fire just by taking the safety off. She kept her shotgun well hidden in case anyone got in the house so it wouldn't get stolen, I suggest you find a good place for yours that is out of sight yet easily accessible. I don't want to disclose her hiding place here but go over your bedroom thinking like a smash-and-grab thief, and see what hiding places you can find or relatively easily make.
hth,
lpl/nc
Sniper X
Member
HA! I like the fence post thig! I would love to find an old .410 double! Must be a cool looking gun, please post some pics!
SX
SX
Thanks Lee,
Your knowledge of fire arms is so much greater than mine.
The gun is very tight and looks like new as it did about 40 years ago when I last fired it, using 3 inch #4 bird shot.
I bought some 000 buckshot as per Dave's recommendation and was planning on getting a Mossberg 500 410.
I then found out I would have to buy an extra 18 1/2 inch cylinder bore barrel for around $80.00 to use buckshot.
Due to being comfortable with a 410 and not being able to practice with stronger guns, I am having a problem deciding to purchase the new pump (would like the extra capacity) or just use 3 inch #4 shot instead of the buckshot and hope for the best!
Thanks again for your time.
Larry
Your knowledge of fire arms is so much greater than mine.
The gun is very tight and looks like new as it did about 40 years ago when I last fired it, using 3 inch #4 bird shot.
I bought some 000 buckshot as per Dave's recommendation and was planning on getting a Mossberg 500 410.
I then found out I would have to buy an extra 18 1/2 inch cylinder bore barrel for around $80.00 to use buckshot.
Due to being comfortable with a 410 and not being able to practice with stronger guns, I am having a problem deciding to purchase the new pump (would like the extra capacity) or just use 3 inch #4 shot instead of the buckshot and hope for the best!
Thanks again for your time.
Larry
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
Larry,
You're welcome- glad you found it helpful. My favorite FFL stocks the .410 000 buck loads, and seems to sell a fair amount of it. I've never paid that much attention to it, I really need to do some work to broaden my knowledge on the small bore.
Have you ever practiced the old trick of keeping a pair of shells between your fingers for a faster reload? Some people like to use their shooting hand, others had rather use their support hand for this. African professionals used to do this with spare cartridges for their double rifles, it can work for shotguns also- even those without ejectors. All it takes is practice.
If you're comfortable with the double you have, there's no reason not to use it for HD with appropriate loads, and the buckshot loads should do fine in it.
Stay safe,
lpl/nc
You're welcome- glad you found it helpful. My favorite FFL stocks the .410 000 buck loads, and seems to sell a fair amount of it. I've never paid that much attention to it, I really need to do some work to broaden my knowledge on the small bore.
Have you ever practiced the old trick of keeping a pair of shells between your fingers for a faster reload? Some people like to use their shooting hand, others had rather use their support hand for this. African professionals used to do this with spare cartridges for their double rifles, it can work for shotguns also- even those without ejectors. All it takes is practice.
If you're comfortable with the double you have, there's no reason not to use it for HD with appropriate loads, and the buckshot loads should do fine in it.
Stay safe,
lpl/nc
Lee,no I never could get the hang of it.
I did carry a couple of extras in my support hand back in my hunting days.
Even with the first gun my father bought me in the fifties an old Harrington & Richardson Topper Model 148 single barrel 410.
I was more accurate with this gun than any I ever shot and I still don't why.
I get emotional just thinking of all the great times we had in the field and think families today are missing memories that will last for a life time.
I know this probably is not the right place to mention this but I hate to see all the wildlife habitat that is being lost today.
Thanks again and best to you and your family.
Larry
I did carry a couple of extras in my support hand back in my hunting days.
Even with the first gun my father bought me in the fifties an old Harrington & Richardson Topper Model 148 single barrel 410.
I was more accurate with this gun than any I ever shot and I still don't why.
I get emotional just thinking of all the great times we had in the field and think families today are missing memories that will last for a life time.
I know this probably is not the right place to mention this but I hate to see all the wildlife habitat that is being lost today.
Thanks again and best to you and your family.
Larry
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