Shotgun origin and age/value

Question
I have a very old shotgun bought at a yard sale for 45.00. It is a double barrel(side by side) 12 gauge shotgun. The only information visible on it is Paragon Model CS.I cant find any serial number anywhere on it.  I refinished the stock because the finish was in poor shape ,but the rest is original and in very good working condition. The metal finish is infairly good shape.no rust but you can tell its old. I would like any information on it you could give me please.....Thank you....Don Brown

Answer
Don,

What you have is a Stevens Model 311.  They put them out with the markings Paragon Model CS.  They are a decent quality, utilitarian gun and while it is not a collectable, it should be a decent shooter if it is in working condition.  You might want to have a gunsmith take a look at it before you shoot it just to make sure...

You most likely got a reasonable deal at $45.  They are probably worth between $100 and $150 based on the condition.  Stevens quit making them in 1989.

Yours is pre-1968 since it does not have a serial number.  If you check the area between the trigger and the hinge pin, you may find a letter inside a circle.  The letter tells you the year of manufacture if it is there.  A-N = 1949 to 1961 (A would be 1949, B would be 1950, etc.)  P is 1963, R-V would be 1964 to 1968.

If there is no letter stamped on there, then I can't tell you when it might have been made.

Wish I could help you out more...but that is what I think you've got.

Cheers,

Doug Little