I think that honor has to go to the Stevens "Favorite" swinging-block single shot rifles. These were offered in .22 rimfire, .25 Stevens rimfire, and .32 rimfire. They were made by the millions from 1885 to 1935, and practically every kid out there either had one or wanted one. They were simple, accurate, lightweight and inexpensive. They were takedown rifles, handy for carrying on a bicycle or horseback.
Today they are relics of a bygone time. Because most of the ammo in the old days was loaded with black powder, the bores are often in terrible shape. Some are still shootable, others are candidates for re-lining or barrel replacement.
Modern standard or high-speed ammo should not be shot in these old guns, because the action is comparatively weak. Best I've found would be .22 CB long - a reduced power load that can still get the bullet out of a longer rifle barrel.
The one illustrated below was made (by my estimate) around 1908 or 1909. Dating these is difficult because company records were lost in a fire, and the "serial numbers" on the lower receiver tang were really assembly numbers having no relationship to date of manufacture. One has to be aware of various changes to the guns over the years to make an educated guess.
Here's a shot of the action when open, and to illustrate the take-down feature:
And here's a Stevens advertisement that dates to 1923:
Once the largest manufacturers of sporting firearms in the world, the Stevens company was acquired by Savage in 1920.
Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane.
John
Today they are relics of a bygone time. Because most of the ammo in the old days was loaded with black powder, the bores are often in terrible shape. Some are still shootable, others are candidates for re-lining or barrel replacement.
Modern standard or high-speed ammo should not be shot in these old guns, because the action is comparatively weak. Best I've found would be .22 CB long - a reduced power load that can still get the bullet out of a longer rifle barrel.
The one illustrated below was made (by my estimate) around 1908 or 1909. Dating these is difficult because company records were lost in a fire, and the "serial numbers" on the lower receiver tang were really assembly numbers having no relationship to date of manufacture. One has to be aware of various changes to the guns over the years to make an educated guess.
Here's a shot of the action when open, and to illustrate the take-down feature:
And here's a Stevens advertisement that dates to 1923:
Once the largest manufacturers of sporting firearms in the world, the Stevens company was acquired by Savage in 1920.
Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane.
John
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