Hi all, I have my grandfathers gun that he had from when he was a child living in a Sod house on the prairie a LONG TIME AGO. He was born right around 1900 (I can't recall exactly).
I have had this rifle for almost 40 years and not done anything with it. I always thought it was a 32 short rimfire due to the markings on the barrel, but I finally measured the thing and its a .25! Not that it makes it any easier to find ammo, though I do have a box of Canuk .25 Stevens Short Rimfire on the way that's only 50 or so years old I should have slugged the chamber to actually determine if it is the Short though perhaps... I only measured the diameter of the chamber and bore.
Anyone familiar with these rifles and can help me with the barrel markings? Specifically the numbers and marks on the underside of the barrel. Or where to go to find more info?
The maker mark which is very faint now reads "J. STEVENS & CO. CHICOPEE, MASS. PAT. SEPT 8. 1864" which means it was manufactured between 1864 and 1886. After 1886 they used J.Stevens A & T co. So, I know it is pre 1886.
And help appreciated, thanks!
I have had this rifle for almost 40 years and not done anything with it. I always thought it was a 32 short rimfire due to the markings on the barrel, but I finally measured the thing and its a .25! Not that it makes it any easier to find ammo, though I do have a box of Canuk .25 Stevens Short Rimfire on the way that's only 50 or so years old I should have slugged the chamber to actually determine if it is the Short though perhaps... I only measured the diameter of the chamber and bore.
Anyone familiar with these rifles and can help me with the barrel markings? Specifically the numbers and marks on the underside of the barrel. Or where to go to find more info?
The maker mark which is very faint now reads "J. STEVENS & CO. CHICOPEE, MASS. PAT. SEPT 8. 1864" which means it was manufactured between 1864 and 1886. After 1886 they used J.Stevens A & T co. So, I know it is pre 1886.
And help appreciated, thanks!