Reloading the Stevens 311 was Painfully slow at the last match. The springs were so heavy (rebounding it part way close under spring pressure), I had to man handle it to stay open to do my reloads. You could have timed me with a sundial on a stage we had that was 12 rounds shotgun! My stage time for it was the same as the other 5 stages together. After researching the web, I found that this is a design flaw of the Stevens, and there is really no way to fix it.
I ordered a Century (Norinco) JW-2000 hammered coach gun for $250 +$20 shipping. I know they flip open easily, and I'll polish the chambers! Besides a hammered double will go better with the 1860 Henry and two 1872 Open Tops!
I realize Norincos are not top tier, but they are very serviceable. Also considering I have spent a fortune in the last month re-arming, the Norinco will do for now. Realistically I do MAYBE one local match a month and don't give a d@mn about scores. The Savage 311 is beyond aggravating, though, and at least the Norinco is less aggravating. I had a Norinco before as my back up and loaner shotgun, and it was actually OK. Besides, I had a Norinco double before that I used as mu back-up and loaner. It worked pretty well.
In the last 60 days, I already spent "the big bucks" on the 1860 Henry, a pair of Open Tops, and a Trapdoor Springfield 45-70. In my estimation, Cimmaron is a little too proud of their doubles. I'd be north of $700 by the time I pay Cimarron, shipping and extortion dealer charges. That goes for the Rossi Coach guns you see on Gunbroker $900, really? I have less than $350 into the Norinco, including dealer and DROS. I'll probably hang on to the Stevens as a back up, unless someone gives me $200!