Wards-Western Field 20 ga. SxS

[DAL]

At my local gun shop today, I saw a gun I know nothing about--which isn't unusual when it comes to shotguns--for sale. The gun was a 20 ga. SxS Western Field, I think the model was SBS300, but I could be wrong on that. Does anyone know anything about them? They wanted $190. Fair or too much? I liked the way it balanced and came to my shoulder, but don't ask me what the chokes were on the gun...I forgot to look.
DAL

 

[Jagermeister]

Savage and Stevens made guns for Montgomery Ward under that tradename, and It is either a Savage mod 311, or possibley the Steven mod 515.

In my opinion, based upon the Tradename, there is little collector value on the gun. They were fine utilitarian SXS's, well made and durable. I don't know what part of the country you're in, but I might, if I wanted a good dble gun, go for about $150.00. Condition plays a part in that.

JM

 

[another okie]

My dad purchased a .22 LR rifle with that marking as a young man. I've still got it. He told me he bought it through the mail when he was 13. I guess the laws have changed a little.

 

[streakr]

I agree that it is probably a Stevens 311. Does it have full length barrels? If so the 190 is a good price; better if you can get for 150! The 311 is a good solid shotgun.

New SxS can run alot; the new Rugers are over 1300, while imported side by sides (Baikal, Huglu, Stoeger, etc) will run 300-700.

If you buy it and don't like it let me know.

Streakr (always lookin for another double)

 

[Dave R]

Many gun shops will give you a warranty on used guns. Try it and see if you like it. The gun shop can probably measure the chokes and tell you what they are. Or they may be stamped on the barrels under the wood forearm.

To some extent, the choke designations are irrelevant. See if you can buy on approval/warranty, or just try it out. Take it out and pattern it.

If the patterns are decent, and the two barrels shoot near the same point of aim, its a keeper regardless of what the chokes are designated.

I had an old Stoeger 20ga double that shot the tightest patterns I have ever seen from its "full" barrel. But that barrel shot low and left of the mod barrel. I made a few very long shots on dove/huns when I remembered to aim it properly...

I traded it in on a 12ga that shoots "mod" out of either barrel. Well, I guess the full barrel is a tad tighter but its not much. But both barrels shoot to same POA, so it hits when I'm hunting. I just don't shoot it as far.