Stevens Model 530A

[bdg146]

My grandfather gave me one of his first guns, a side-by-side .410 Stevens Model 530A. The only markings I can find are "Model 530A" on the right side and "Stevens" with "Savage Arms Co., Chicopee Falls, Mass, U.S.A." under it on the left side. Right by that lettering it has a picture of a dog afield. On top of one of the barrels it says "SELECTED FORGED STEEL" and on the other barrel "PROOF TESTED .410 BORE -3 INCH CHAMBER-"

I was wondering if anyone had an info on this shotgun for me? I've never had a gun old enough to need re-blued, but I'd say this one is in dire need of it. I can see the steel coming through at spots, especially near where it breaks open. Problem is I want to make sure I don't do anything to ruin this gun. It's probably not worth a whole heck of a lot of money, but from the stories I've heard, he shot everything with this SxS. I've found it a bit of a challenge to hunt with, but I'm trying!

So will a competent gunsmith be able to re-blue without much risk? Any recommendations in central PA?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[mnrivrat]

The 530A was made by Stevens starting I think in 1936 and into the early 50's. The .410 would have the most value of the gauges produced and I have seen asking prices of nice ones at up to $1,000 and a bit more ,so they do draw some collector interest.

I would think long and hard before re-finishing a gun that has family history. Not everything is inhanced by making it look shinney and new. I think the receivers were case hardened on these guns , which also is not cheap to have redone.

 

[bdg146]

I'm glad I read your message this morning. I was planning on running to the local shop here and finding out more information this afternoon.

I'm kind of shocked that some of them are going for over $1000. Good to know, but I have no intentions of selling it anyway.

The aged look does give it a bit of history that a freshly blued shotgun just wouldn't have. It's developed a bit of rust over the years... nothing major just a brownish-redish tint at some areas.

So I guess my next question would be what do I use to clean it up? In the past, I've used Hoppe's solvent to remove rust spots and it's worked well, but would that damage what bluing I have left? Should I just use strait gun oil and some elbow grease to clean it the best I can?

Maybe posting some pictures would help...

 

[Dave McCracken]

Gun oil and elbow grease will work. A bit of old panty hose will not scar the remaining finish and speed the job.

Agreed on preservation, not restoration.