Range Report: vintage J. Stevens

[Sir Henry]

I made a quick run to the range this morning. I didn't stay long as it was pouring down rain and my target turned to mush within a half hour. But this was more of a function test anyway so small groups weren't on the agenda. Well the rifle performed flawlessly and seemed to like the Norma Tac-22 ammo. I set my target out to 25 yards but before shooting at it I plinked at one inch bits of red clay laying around. I hit all three so this rifle was already sighted in. Next came 20 rounds at a target. With the rain soaked targets I couldn't see where I was hitting but kept shooting anyway. I ended up shooting three targets without a close up view to see where I was hitting.

The results: target one which was 20 rounds had about a half-inch spread, targets two and three were 10 rounds and produced about the same but the main hole was smaller.

I bet this rifle could shoot half inch groups at 50 yards on a clear day. With the rain I had visual problems. One thing I learned about this rifle which I wasn't expecting was the fine trigger. It breaks at around three pounds but what is remarkable is that there is no trigger movement. The trigger plain just doesn't move till you pull three pounds and then it breaks. After the break it does come back a quarter inch or so but up to the break it is firmly stationary.

No pictures as the targets tore as I was pulling them. Wouldn't have made a good picture as they were soaked and didn't make clear holes.

[White Squirrel]

Sounds like you found a nice little rifle! Congratulations.

[Deadwood Dutch]

Thanks for the report, sounds good. Very admirable of you to go shooting in the rain.

[Hack]

Hitting one inch targets at 25 yrds! That is fine shooting. Congrats on your find.

[PT7]

Ditto all of the above.
And your description of the trigger sounds like you got a lot more than you expected....hurrah on your vintage find, SH.

[Henry88]

There is nothing better than an old gun that shoots really well................

[RanchRoper]

Sounds like a good time.

[Hack]

There is nothing better than an old gun that shoots really well................

Except perhaps for the old guy that really shoots it well.

[RetiredSeabee]

Glad you found the old gem. Looking forward to seeing more reports with this bargain basement tack driver.