western field mod. 30 twenty ga.

Question
Who made this shot gun? it looks to have a browning type receiver,a full pistol grip stock (like a first series mod.12 Winchester) and the smallest diameter fore end I have ever seen.Is it safe to shoot modern 2 3/4 shells.

Answer
Hello John. Your Westernfield Model 30 was actually manufactured by Stevens Arms & Tool Company as Model 520 between 1904 and 1932. During the years that the Model 520 was manufactured, there were a few changes made on the safety feature. The early model had a sliding safety bar in front of the trigger that looked like a backwards trigger. The later model had a sliding button on the top tang. Some also had a crossbolt safety behind the trigger guard. Yes, it does look like a Browning receiver because it was made on Browning Patent No.781765 applied for on July 10, 1903. Steven's needed a shotgun to offer for WWI, so they purchased this patent from Browning. "GUNSMITH ALERT" Check with a qualified licensed gunsmith about the ammunition and have him give your shotgun a 'complete physical'. I hope this answers your questions and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage