Value and history of a Springfield shotgun

Question
Hello Sid,
I recently was gifted my father in laws' shotgun.  I am interested in the history and value of this gun, it hasn't been used since I used it last almost 11 years ago and as I remember, it shot well.  Any info would be great.
It is stamped :  SPRINGFIELD AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN
               Springfield Arms Co. Utica NY USA
The barrel is stamped 12 GA - FULL
above the right corner of FULL on the barrel is a stamp S-P with a circle around the S-P.  
Number stamp on the bottom of the receiver reads 2295
The stock is really beat up also the forend grip is cracked down the center of the groove the barrel sits in -  when tightening the cap you can see the crack spread slightly and is also missing the end cap off the butt stock.  It has lost most the of bluing and has a well used barrel
I like the gun and gave it a good once over with my cleaning kit and believe it will operate just as well as it did 11 years ago.  If you can, I am also interested in your option of using this shotgun as a hunting gun or just keeping it the safe?
Thank you for your response
Chris

Answer
Hi Chris,

"Springfield" was the trade name for Savage/Stevens arms and was a recoil operated shotgun based upon the John Browning design.

Although I cannot be certain without the benefit of personal inspection it sounds like you may have a model 720, made from 1930 to 1950.

There was also a model 726 which was a two shell capacity, a model 740 version which had a compensator, and an alloy receiver version which was dubbed the model 745.

The gun in question if in "good" condition would have an approximate retail value of $200 to $225.

As for using it as a "hunting gun".... assuming it is the model in question and in good condition (if in doubt have a qualified person inspect the firearm) I see no problem. It is not a high value collectors item and I doubt that hunting with it at this point would greatly effect the value.

I'm not a big fan of keeping shooters in the safe, why not use it from time to time if "shootable", you will no doubt enjoy it more. I would not however recommend that you shoot steel shot (or other hard shot lead substitutes) through the gun.

Sid Lark