J. Stevens 22 short / long rifle
2016/7/22 9:05:19
Question
QUESTION: Mr, Gage I have reviewed many of your answers to other questions about these rifles, but I would like to get some clarification if I could. My rifle has the following marks on the barrel " J. Stevens Arms Company, Chicopee Falls. Mass USA"; "*viable loading repeater PAT APR. 30-07"; then behind the site it is marked ""trade mark", "Stevens", "Reg US Pat Off&FGH", "22-short-long", "or long rifle"; there is one last mark that I have found just behind the finger guard "A 29". Also you may like to know the barrel is round and the sight on this rifle is adjustable to five different settings.
In all the information I have located, none have noted the "A 29" marking like mine and I do not have any of the other markings (such as a number in a circle) to let me know what the model number for this rifle might be.
Please, if you are able to help me find the correct model number and if possible narrow down the possible year it was manufactured?
Thank you for your time.
ANSWER: Hello April.
I have spent the last 3 hours researching your rifle and from your information, ( I wish everyone would be this thorough )I believe I have narrowed down the manufacture date of 1916 to the mid 1920's. This 'visible load type' pump action was manufactured from 1907 to 1934. They marketed this rifle for the safety of knowing that there was a round still in the chamber. The Stevens makers went through several name changes over this time frame. In 1907, it was known as 'J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co.' In 1916, it became 'J. Stevens Arms Company'. From 1907 through the mid 1920's the rifle had the stamping 'Visible LoadING Repeater'. It did not carry the model number on it, but it was known in advertisements as the 'Visible Loading Repeater No.70'.In the mid 20's through 1934, the rifle stamping was changed to 'Visible LoadER Repeater'. Capitalizing 'ING' and 'ER' is to draw your attention to the different spellings during the two time frames.
I hope this helps and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Mr. Gage, Thank you so much for your time, knowledge and of course the information in your reply. I wonder if you would give your opinion on the best way to have the rust removed from this rifle; either chemically or mechanically (as I have had several different options presented by gunsmiths in my area). If the rust were removed this rifle would be in very good to excellent condition once more. Also, once it is restored, where would you estimate the value of this rifle?
Once again, thank you for your time and I hope you have a very good holiday season. April Licata
Answer
Hello again April.
Although your rifle is unique, having the rust removed and refinished would lessen the collectability of it. In original condition, with no rust pitting nor cracks or deep scratches, it could be worth as much as $500.00. However, if there are problems with rust or wood, it would be valued far less as a shooter.
If the rust is not deep, I would use 0000 steel wool with a little gun oil and hand rub it smooth. This should leave the antique brownish coloring intact, and could place it again above a shooter in value, anywhere from $200 up.
I hope you will consider joining our team, and again, thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage
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