Stevens .22

Question
QUESTION: Hi there,

Thank you for your time.

I have recently registered my fathers riffle as was handed down to me. This was his fathers prior. My dad has passed away so i wasn't able to find out all of the history behind it.

It is a Stevens .22 bottom cartridge type. I am not interested in the $$$ value so much as the history. I do not wish to part with it. I have a copy of the first registration when the Australian firearm act was introduced, i think 1943 from memory. The serial number in the stock and also under the barrel is P4.

Do you know roughly when these were made?

There is also some surface rust on the barrel, i dont want to disturb the original bluing but want to keep it to a minimum, how should i treat it from now on? I always clean after use and apply a light oil all over.

The spring for the load mech seems quite worn and lost its tension, are the replaceable?

And am i doing any harm by using it from time to time for a recreational shoot? I would like to pass on to my kids one day.

Again, thankyou for any help with the above. I know that is a lot of questions.

Regards

Ryan

ANSWER: Ryan,

I'd like to help you out.  Can you possibly take a look at the rifle and see if there is a model reference.  It would most likely be something like a
No. 12 Markman or a Favorite or possibly have a Model number only.  If you could also describe the action, it would be helpful.  Stevens made quite a few different rifles.

Stevens was originally founded in 1864 in Chicopee, Massachusetts.  In 1886 the name was changed to J. Stevens Arms and Tool.  In roughly 1920, Savage Arms bought the company and began marketing several guns under the J. Stevens Arms Co. brand.  In 1940, the "J. Stevens Arms" was simply shorten to "Stevens".  By knowing exactly how your gun reads, we can use that information to narrow the date a bit.  

More specific info is available once I know the model number and exactly how the manufacturer name is indicated on your gun.

In terms of rust removal without damaging the finish, it is really quite easy if you are careful and take your time.  You'll need a light oil, perhaps like you use to lubricate the gun, some fine steel wool and a little elbow grease.  Make sure the gun is unloaded and place it on a work surface covered by a towel or pad to protect the gun from being scratched up.  Apply some oil liberally to the rust then gently rub with the steel wool.  Use a clean cloth to wipe off the rusty oil and then repeat.  You can continue until the rust is gone or until you start to see damage to the finish.  After you are done, coat the area with a light film of oil to prevent the rust from returning.

Whether you will be able to find a spring for the loading mechanism will depend on the model.  Generally parts for these older rifles can be pretty rare.  If it is fully functional, it would be possible to shoot, but I probably would not shoot it much.  The pressures on modern cartridges are higher than those made 50+ years back.  It may cause excess wear on the gun.

I will look forward to your reply...

Best regards,

Doug Little


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Doug,

Again thanks mate for your help. I have checked the riffle and on top of the barrel is:

J.Stevens Arms Company
Chicoppe falls, Mass, USA
22 Short, Long or Longrifle
Model 66-B

The rifle is a bolt action lever.

I hope this helps and look forward to your reply to help me know a little more of the history behind it.

Regards

Ryan C

Answer
Ryan,

Thanks for the follow up.  There is not a lot of info out there about the Model 66B.  There were a fair number of them produced between 1930 and 1940, but they were primarily an inexpensive, utilitarian gun.  Many were sold in department stores like Woolworth's.  Since it is a simple bolt action with a tubular feed magazine, these were popular 'first rifles' for lots of teenage boys.  In terms of value, depending on the condition they may be worth between $75 and $150 dollars (US).  I'd suggest that your rifle probably has mostly sentimental value.  Since it is not as old as I originally thought, I think it would be fine to shoot as long as the gun is in fully functional condition.

Sorry I'm a little light for info, but since it isn't collectable, there really isn't much in the way of information out there.

Hope this helps a little...

Best regards,

Doug Little