20 gauge stevens double barell shot gun

Question
I recently purchased a 20 gauge stevens model 311A double shot gun. After getting it home I realized that the left barrell would not fire. I assume the firing pen is bad, any suggestions? ( I got the gun at a good deal so I`m not worried.)

Answer
Don,

Since I am not a gunsmith, I really can't give you a definitive answer but here are a few things to try.  One way to determine if the firing pin is working would be to take a previously fired shotgun shell and cut a small piece of masking tape and tape it to the back of the shell over the primer.  Place it in the left side barrel, close the action and pull the trigger.  If the firing pin is functioning at all, it should make a hole in the tape.  If there is a hole in the tape,  then try shooting a live shell again (at the range...).

If the live shell does not fire, remove the shell and check for a dimple in the primer.  If there is a dimple, but it is faint, the hammer spring may be worn or weak.  This results in the firing pin not hitting the primer with enough force to start the firing sequence.   Brownell's used to sell a spring kit, but they appear to be backordered.  No telling how long it might take to get one of those.  

Sometimes in older guns, the actions are kind of clogged up with accumulated dirt and debris, especially if they have been sitting a very long time. This can also cause a weak firing pin strike or a weak hammer strike.  If you think this might be the case, something you can try short of taking the firing pin/hammer assembly apart would be to simply lubricate it a bit using a product called "Eezox".  It is great lightweight lubricant that can many times help 'loosen things up a bit' especially on old actions that have probably not been maintained well.  I have put in a few drop of this stuff and then worked the action a bit on some older guns with great success.  Please DON'T use something like WD-40 or 3 in 1 oil to attempt to lubricate the gun.

I would probably NOT recommend that you try taking the gun apart.  If you do decide to get the spring kit, you should take it to a gunsmith that is familiar with older shotguns and have them do the work.  Some of these old actions can be a real bear to reassemble if you do not have the right tools and really know what you are doing...

Hope this helps you out a bit...

Best regards,

Doug Little