Rimfire handgun

Question

-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi Sid,
I have a bizarre little old rimfire handgun made by J.Stevens & CC.Chicopee,serial # 1879.It seams to be in .38 rimfire with a 10 inches barrel,single shot break open action ,with very small grip frame,the gun is all nickel plate.What can you tell me about this little gun.

Thank you very much.
Laurent












-----Answer-----
Hi Laurent,

Can you provide this additional info for me?

Could the caliber be .32 rimfire instead of .38 ?

Is the barrel round or octagon shaped ?

Does it have a trigger guard ?

Are the frame and barrel made out of the same metal ? IE. is the barrel blued steel and the frame/receiver brass?

Exposed hammer ?

Are there any other markings on the gun anywhere? If so, where and what?

What are the grips made out of? (wood/plastic etc.) Are they smooth or checkered?

I'm sure that I can help you further with the above info provided. I just don't want to guess at it. I'd much prefer to get it right. There are about 20 different handguns that this could be. I can tell you now that it is probably either a "Pocket Pistol" or "Pocket Rifle"... which one and what model remains to be determined.

Thanks for the question. I'm looking forward to helping you further if you are able to reply.

Sid Lark
---------------------------------------------
Hi Sid,
Thank you for your fast anwser
Here is the additional info that I have:

- about .365 inside the groove
- the barrel is round
- no trigger guard
- the barrel is from steel and has been sand to metal.
- the frame/receiver is from brass
- has the hammer exposed
- can't find no more marking except the matching serial #
- the grips are made out of woods and are smooth

  Hope this can help you.

   Thanks again
   Laurent  

Answer
Laurent,

I will agree that these are "bizarre rimfires" ! Information on these is kind of all over the place but basically what Stevens did was make pistol versions of their rifles in couple of dozen models over the years.
They were primarily manufactured between 1907 and 1939. However there are some other versions of same that were producded in the late 1800's.

I hope this serves to at least get you started as to what you may have. Thanks for the question.

Sid Lark

In eliminating all models that do not share all of the features listed it appears that you may have a New Model Pocket Rifle. They were available in 10" while all of the pocket pistols that are listed are shorter than 10".

It has an external hammer,plated frame, walnut smooth grips, and the barrel is marked "J.Stevens & Co. Chicopee Falls, Mass." It is possible that it is a different model however without having it to actually inspect and compare, I can't be 100%. If yours is one of these models and in "good" condition it has a retail value of around $500 - $600.