Stevens 12 Ga. SXS Model 325

[shp65@aol.com]

Hello, Brand new here looking for answers not sales pitches like other sites.
I have a Steven's model 325 12 ga. shotgun open and modified choke, No serial number. Patent just says applied for. And when I broke it down every part has the same assembly type number stamped on it. I mean stock, block, barrel etc. I'm stumped. It's no winning show piece but it's family and I want to know Why I can't find info on it. Even checked every gun smith in 50 miles. My camera is dead at the moment but can borrow one for pics if I can get a little help.
Thanks, New Member.

[Stan in SC]

Welcome to our forum.Evidently you have not googled the brand and model number.I just did and got all manner of info on it.The model was made from 1904 to 1908.Just google "Stevens Model 325 shotgun".

Stan in SC

[shp65@aol.com]

I Googled it and found out the same. But no one can tell me why It has the assembly numbers on each piece like it was ordered (as far as my family knows we couldn't afford that back then)or which year it was made. I'm just trying to find details and no serial number and a stamp that reads "Patent Applied For" get's me no where.The first day I kept getting directed to the Steven's model 325 30 Cal. made in the Thirties. It's just confusing they kept such poor records. Thanks for the help anymore is much appreciated.

[Stan in SC]

In the era in which your shotgun was built the main emphasis was in producing a quality item,not in how good a record could be kept of it.It's called craftmanship.

Stan in SC

[shp65@aol.com]

Good Craftsmanship I understand I've been becoming a better one everyday for 25+ years. There also Could be something in the fact that most if not all of Steven's records were destroyed in an unfortunate fire just before they had to appear in front of congress for over pricing the Gov. in WW I. I'm not looking for a value in this weapon it has been in my family for around 100 years. I just think there is a bit more history still not uncovered. I've found more info on the Daisy No.40 BB Gun known as The Defender (mine was made in 1916) which came with shoulder strap and real bayonet and it still fires (she restored better than I had hoped). Just baffles me I can find tons of info on that one. Yet barely a word on something as common as a Dbl 12Ga. I'm new to this forum but not to business. I rarely take "because that's the way they did it" as a final answer. So forgive me if I seem still at square one, I just think there is more to the shotgun than I'm finding. I could be wrong but never hurts to ask. I thank you again for your help. A person stopping a moment tell help another is rare these days.

[xpertgreg]

I'm afraid Stan is correct. Millions of shotguns produced by Stevens under many many trade names as well. My 311 has much the same markings and is made better than any shotgun made today. Just they way things were done. I have several shotguns (one is a Mossberg 500) with no serial number.

Greg

[shp65@aol.com]

Hey, thanks you guys for the info. I've just never ran into this before. I'll keep poking around but I won't lose sleep over it. On to my next project.