I had a Stevens 511 (I think) that was like the 311, but had no raised rib. I used this as a waterfowler when steel was new and did not notice any damage for the light amount of shooting I did. I sold it when advised it was not appropriate w/steel and bought a Rem.870. The 511 was choked M/F. I was going to experiment with steel shot in an older double I have now, that has very nice barrels, but I do not want to risk breaking the stock on this old sidelock gun and have been unable to find someone to load BB size shot at around 1100fps so that I may do a test. My thinking on this subject is that newer guns like Remington 870s or Merkel 147s, that are suitable with steel (w/open chokes) are only slightly tougher than their steel barreled ancestors, thus the current steel loads with far more substantial shot cups should not harm many older guns. I don't know this, it is just a theory. The easy solution is to buy an old 870 or 1300 and hammer away. I have learned over years of study on this forum that while doubleguns conjure a stalwart image they also contain some fragility that makes them only entirely suitable for those who can afford to repair or replace them. The 311 Stevens while not as pretty as some maybe more adaptable to hard use by a regular guy than most better guns with two barrels. There is indeed a reason, other than rarity, that SXSs are more a well-heeled mans gun. I being wounded in comparison have come to this reality, but maintain my affection for two barrel guns.
