Picked up a Stevens SXS 12 ga Model 325 at Ron Peterson's Guns in Albuquerque, NM for the princely sum of $11.35 about 25 years ago. It's so old it doesn't have a patent date, just "Patent applied for". J Stevens A & T Co., Chicopee Falls, Mass, USA. Don't know why I bought it, the barrels are pitted, the stock was wrapped in roof flashing tin, nailed in place with brass tacks, the checkering is just a faintly seen pattern under smooth, worn wood, most of the screws and bolts have been replaced with round head hardware store stuff and the barrel has a shim to keep it locked up. There was a piece of rotted leather being used as a butt plate, held in place with wood screws and fender washers and all the metal work was covered in an even coating of rust.
And yet, after going through it and replacing the worst "Bubba fixes", it still shoots. I can't imagine how many shells have been through the barrels. Nor how long it must have sat in someones barn or hay loft, neglected.
I also own a 1948 Stevens model 325 bolt action 30-30 that just keeps on going no matter the abuse. It is now in the possession of one son who uses it in South Texas with handloads.
Timex aint got nothing on Stevens !!!!
Dan R