Stevens Single Shot .22LR

[Sir Henry]

I saw an old Stevens single shot at my lgs yesterday. It had a peep which I think was a Parker Hale and a Lyman globe up front. They were only asking $85 for it and I think I'll go back today and buy it.

[White Squirrel]

If you do, you know pictures are required.

[Sir Henry]

Well I went back and picked it up today. Right now the parts are soaking in CLP. Its a single shot .22LR with a 23.5 inch barrel. The rear sight was removed from the barrel and placed at the rear of the receiver so the eye radius is even longer. I said the rear sight was a Parker Hale but it turned out to be a Lyman 559 and the front is a Lyman globe. No numbers on it but it looks like a 17. Pictures will come when its cleaned and put back together. Don't know a lot about this rifle except its marked Springfield Model 53-B made by J. Stevens Arms.

[PT7]

Hope it turns out to be a very good rifle for you, SH.
Single shot any caliber is a lot of fun to shoot!

[Deadwood Dutch]

Should look something like my old Springfield single shot? It has no model number and I have never really been able to determine if it is a 53A or a 53B? It just says Springfield Arms Chickopee Falls Mass., and I thought that I read somewhere that Springfield was a trade name for Stevens. I think it was made around 1935. I am happy that you could acquire your rifle.

[RetiredSeabee]

Looking forward to seeing it. I want to hit some of the local shops to see if I can find a bargain gem.

[Sir Henry]

Mine is clearly marked. From what I gather they were only made between 1937 and 1947. My stock is slightly different than yours and it does have the Lyman sights. One reason I wanted it was because of the sights. They would be the ones I would want on it.

The trigger was sticking slightly and when you opened the bolt it would come all the way out. Now it is resetting itself all the way and is functioning like it should. It was covered in oil and dust that made it a hard paste. One think I've noticed about this rifle is there is no plastic anywhere on it. All metal and wood.

[Henry88]

Stevens represents American Exceptionalism. The kind of pride we need in stead of all the B/M..............

Range Report required ....................

[Squatch]

Sweet! I have an old Stevens but mines a Favorite 1915. Falling block.

[Sir Henry]

Range report coming soon. Maybe even later today.

[Hack]

$85, wow that was a find. How about some pics?

[Sir Henry]

This isn't some rare collector firearm. They didn't make a lot of them but on the other hand few people want them. Since someone had taken the time and expense to put Lyman sights on it I suspect it was a very accurate rifle in its day. The sights and rifle are of the same vintage.

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Double-click on picture and it becomes clear and sharp.

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[Deadwood Dutch]

Really nice looking, you got yourself a good deal on that rifle. Mine is in original condition and is pretty beat up. I know that they only bring around 80 bucks like that.

[bandit1250]

Some of the rifles from that time period were very accurate. With the sights that are on that one it will probably be a very good shooter if the bore is still good. I would say some one thought it to be a good shooter before they spent time and money to have much better sights put on it. My old Remington's from 1933 up through the mid sixties shoot as well as my CZ's. I had to give a few of mine a good barrel cleaning but they all ended up to shoot well. It will be interesting to see how your Stevens shoots. My old Remington's like CCI standards and Norma Tac 22. Good ammo to try first.

[Hack]

Nice looking rifle. I'll bet it is very accurate. It will probably be a lot of fun and will work very well to introduce others to shooting.

[Sir Henry]

Some of the rifles from that time period were very accurate. With the sights that are on that one it will probably be a very good shooter if the bore is still good. I would say some one thought it to be a good shooter before they spent time and money to have much better sights put on it. My old Remington's from 1933 up through the mid sixties shoot as well as my CZ's. I had to give a few of mine a good barrel cleaning but they all ended up to shoot well. It will be interesting to see how your Stevens shoots. My old Remington's like CCI standards and Norma Tac 22. Good ammo to try first.

Funny you mentioned Tac 22 as that is my ammo of choice. The weather calls for rain all day but I'm heading to the range anyway.

[bandit1250]

Doesn't surprise me that Tac shot good for you. It doesn't shoot in all my 22's but most of them will shoot it as well as anything else or better. It has caught on now and has taken a hike in price at my LGS from $49/brick to $62. I am glad I bought the case when it was less. Nice to get an old rifle like the Stevens and have a good trigger on it with out having to work on it. More range trips with the Stevens when it is not raining?

[Sir Henry]

Definitely will be shooting the Stevens again. It is really and odd rifle the way the bolt is cocked when turning the bolt and not sliding it back and the way the trigger releases the firing pin.

[ditto1958]

I need (want) a Stevens Favorite. Hope some time to find one in decent condition. They were the classic "boys rifle" for a number of years.

[Sir Henry]

I usually consider a boy's rifle to be a short length of pull and short barrel. The Stevens I have is an adult length of pull and has a 24 inch barrel.