Stevens 25-20 Single shot target rifle

The Stevens Arms company was established in 1864 by Joshua Stevens. As these rifles are uncommon in the UK, here is some history particularly in relation to this superb rifle. Of interest is the fact that Stevens introduced the ubiquitous .22 LR cartridge.

Beginning in 1880, the company began making falling block rifles. These, though less well known than Ballard or Winchester firearms, were of comparable quality. They were priced lower than those of Ballard or Winchester, making the Stevens' falling block models competitive in the marketplace. Under names like Favorite, Little Scout, Crack Shot, and Marksman, Stevens sold millions of reliable single-shots. The total number of single-shot firearms manufactured by the company exceeded 3.5 million by 1892.
In addition, in 1887, Stevens developed the .22 LR round, which served as an introductory caliber for children for decades, as well as being very popular for plinking, as well as varmint and target shooting. The .22LR cartridge was available beginning in 1888, in the #1, #2, #9, and #10 break-top rifles, and in their New Model Pocket and Bicycle rifles. The .22 LR would outperform other Stevens rounds, such as the .25 Stevens and .25 Stevens Short, designed as competitors, and offered in models such as the lever action single-shot Favorite (produced between 1894 and 1935) and the Crack Shot #15 (introduced in 1900)
As several manufacturers would later do with other wildcats, Stevens adopted the .25-20, developed by Francis J. Rabbeth in 1882. The unpopularity of the bottlenecked case led Stevens to develop the .25-21 in 1897. Designed by Capt. W. L. Carpenter, 9th U.S. Infantry, the .21-21 Stevens was essentially a shortened version of the company's own .25-25 of 1895

This particular rifle is chambered and stamped 25-20 and is exceptionally accurate. The rifle is shown with an example cartridge and these are available and reloadable should you wish to place this antique obsolete calibre on a Firearms Certificate.
This rifle has a mint bore, virtually all its original finish, case hardening on the receiver, correct tang site and is just overall a splendid rifle and virtually impossible to better.

Code: 50127