Stevens Favorite

[Mountain Lion]

Picked this plinker up at a pawn shop a few weeks ago. Had no idea what it was, other than it looked interesting.
Turns out it is a J. Stephen's Favorite, Model 1889, falling block, .22 caliber. Made sometime between 1889 and 1894. Solid little rifle in pretty good shape to be 125 years old.

[spentprimer]

What a beauty you found! I found it's modern counterpart some years ago, a Savage model 30G, .22 rimfire that is very accurate. It has the same style half round barrel. I like yours more than mine. You don't find many in the condition yours is in.

[DaleH]

Wow, immaculate shape! You see very few with the ‘zebra’ pattern color case hardening (that Stevens was
Noted for) still intact. Nice find!

[steamer]

That is a very cool rifle!! I just Google searched ".22 Long Rifle" and learned that the J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company introduced the .22 LR cartridge in 1887 - I did not know that. That's an awesome piece of history you have.

[Mountain Lion]

Glad you all like it. I’ve done nothing to it except to clean the bore and put a couple coats of Renaissance wax on it. Can’t wait to shoot it. I’ve got a feeling it’s accurate. By the way set me back $250.

[steamer]

I think you got one heck of a deal.
Looks exactly like your rifle in their logo.

[spentprimer]

That really is in remarkable condition, not only for it's age but what so many of those rifles were used for. Many spent their life around the corner of a barn door guarding the chickens and ducks. If you ever get tired of shooting a single shot, let me know.

[Mountain Lion]

Good point. My mother-in-law had a Pattern 1853 Enfield and a US Model 1841 Mississippi rifle that came down through her family. She remembered when she was little those guns were kept in the barn. Thanks for the complements. I think I'll keep her for a while.

[reivertom]

That is a rare one in that shape. They were usually used hard. I'm jealous....