Identify old Stevens 22 Rifle
Question
My uncle, now deceased, got a Stevens 22 bolt action rifle second hand in about 1930. Left side of barrel next to rear sight are two lines "22 Short Long / or Long Rifle". About 3/4" apart on both barrel and receiver is a circle with the number 20 in it. Right side next to rear sight are three lines "Trademark / Stevens / Reg US Pat & FGN". Top of barrel in front of rear sight is "J Stevens Arms Company / Chicopee Falls NY USA". One piece wood stock. Complete barrel/receiver assy held in place by one external thumbscrew on bottom of stock. Tubular magazine will hold approx 14 Long Rifles. No other identifying marks or serial number. Gun has smooth metal buttplate. Safety is a thumb tab that moves up and down above trigger and circles under the bolt and comes up on the left side. Rear sight is adjustable with 5 notch positions. Gun is still in excellent shape. No sloppiness in action and shoots very accurate. Do you have any idea what the model might be? I could send digital photos.
Thanks
Answer
John,
The company began doing business as "J.Stevens & Company" in 1864. It was incorporated in 1988 as the "J.Stevens Arms & Tool Company". It operated under this name until 1920 when it taken over by Savage Arms Co. There were some slight variations of these but the main portion/s of similar company name stampings will give up the time period of manufacture.
As for the model, there are over 20 various 22LR Stevens listed over the years. However, only three had tubular magazines. They are the models 066, 66, and 086. All were bolt action Stevens 22's
All of the above in "good" condition would have a retail value of around $100.
Thanks for the question John.
Sid Lark
military rifiles
slug use