Stevens Conlin Model Target Pistol

J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company · Pistol · Discontinued · 1888

Also known as: Stevens-Conlin No. 38, Conlin No. 38, Stevens Conlin

Overview

The Stevens Conlin Model is a single-shot, break-open (tip-up) target pistol chambered in .22 rimfire, produced by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. Introduced in the late 1880s, it was named after James S. Conlin, a New York City shooting-gallery proprietor. Nearly identical to the companion Gould Model, the Conlin is distinguished by a spur on the trigger guard to support the shooter's second finger. Noted for its low barrel line, fine target grips and excellent accuracy, it was a favorite of gallery and competitive marksmen in the golden age of American single-shot target pistols.

Specifications

Weight (empty)794 g (28.0 oz)
Overall Length381 mm (15.00")
Barrel Length254 mm (10.00")
Sight Radius280 mm (11.02")
Action TypeBreak Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity1 rounds
Muzzle Velocity330 m/s (1083 fps)
Muzzle Energy141 J (104 ft·lbf)
Effective Range25 m (27 yd)
Maximum Range200 m (219 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 1888-1916

Produced during the peak era of Stevens single-shot target pistols; exact totals unrecorded.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company

Discontinued: 1916

Notes

Commonly catalogued as the Stevens-Conlin No. 38. Offered with 6-inch and 10-inch barrels; the 10-inch .22 configuration weighed roughly 1 3/4 pounds. The Conlin and Gould models grew out of A.C. Gould's modifications to the earlier Stevens Lord Model.

Background

James S. Conlin ran a celebrated Broadway shooting gallery in New York City, and Stevens named this model in his honor. Its sibling, the Gould Model, was named for arms writer A.C. Gould, who prompted the redesign after objecting to the covered trigger of the original Conlin pattern.