Sears model 101.71 s/s 12 gauge

Question
what year does the letter c inside a circle stand for on my gun?

Answer
Hi Dave.

Your Sears model 101.71 was actually made by Stevens as a model 311.  Stevens made several variants of the 311.  You can view some part diagrams for the Stevens 311 shotguns via the following link.  Page down to find the 311 model numbers.

http://www.e-gunparts.com/model.asp?idDept=241

Once you confirm the exact model then you may be able to identify the year by looking it up in the Blue Book.  Here is a link to the Stevens section which is available for download for $10.

https://store.bluebookinc.com/Downloads/SalesPage.aspx?product=8&id=940

I am not aware of any other source for Stevens serial number or proof mark decoding.  Good luck.

Bob