16 guage Stevens

Question
My father in law is a police officer and just gave me an old Stevens 16 gauge shot gun that had been confescated because it has a sawed off barrel. I have disassymbled the weapon to find it has no model number, nor does it have a serial number. do you have any idea how I could find a new barrel for this weapon? Thanks.  CPL. Davis

Answer
Hi David.

First off I would be very cautious about owning or using that shotgun.  In most circumstances it would be illegal just to possess it and this could get you in real trouble some day even if your relative is a police officer.  The cut down barrel is one issue, the lack of a model or serial number may indicate that these were filed off which would be a second issue, and if it were ever used in a crime then you could have a third issue.

Assuming that you own the gun legally and are just seeking to replace the barrel, I would take it to a local gunsmith that can confirm the model and help you find a barrel.  While you are there they can check it for proper safety and functioning which is important since criminals that modify guns rarely do it properly and often they cause other damage, such as a broken firing pin, jammed action, damaged muzzle, rusted barrel, etc.

In any case you wouldn't want to invest much in a new barrel since these guns are typically low value, and if there is some other damage then the cost of repair could exceed the cost of a new firearm.  Here are some links to help you out with basic info:

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

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=stevens+shotgun+16+gauge

http://www.auctionarms.com/

http://www.gunbroker.com/

http://www.gunsamerica.com/

Good luck!