[bernie]

I have the opportunity to pick up a Stevens Crackshot .22LR for a little bit of nothing. If you do not know, it is a nice little kid sized falling block. My question is this: When the falling block is in the up position, it is a little bit wiggly and loose, I would assume you want this tight, but I have never seen one of these before and do not know. Also, is there someone around who could work on one of these and be able to get it up to safe specs? Thanks

[Clark]

You may find someone who will TIG weld some material where it is needed to tighten it up.

The extractors are thin and weak on the old falling block 22s.

[Mike Irwin]

Very likely caused by shooting modern ammunition in an old rifle.

From what I've seen, this is normally caused by the hammer pivot hole becoming enlarged.

One repair I've seen is for the hole to be drilled out and bushed with a piece of hardened steel.

It's still NOT a good idea to shoot these old rifles with modern high velocity ammunition.

You'd do a lot better sticking with CB Caps or something similar.

I've got a Stevens 14 1/2 Little Scout that has the same problem, and I caused it when I was young and damned dumb.

[Jim K]

Hi, Bernie,

Unfortunately, those little guns were made of iron, not steel, and when they wear out, they wear out all over. Plus most of them have barrels that are completely rusted or shot out. The actions can be repaired, as folks have mentioned, but you can spend a lot of money doing so and still have a rifle that is worth a "bit of nothing". And then something else will break or wear out. Further, since the guns are cheap, very few gunsmiths will take on a fix, and few customers will pay the bill. ("$250 to fix it? I only paid $15 for it, keep the darn thing!")

You mention "kid size" but I certainly would not recommend such a rifle for a child or anyone else whose eyes have any value. Pass on the buy or have it deactivated and use it as a wall hanger.

Jim

[bernie]

Thanks for the input. I had pretty much drawn the conclusions you mentioned Mr. Keenan, especially about my boys vision. That is why I love this place, you will get a straight answer, like it or not! Thanks again.