Stevens Crack Shot No. 26

J. Stevens Arms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1912

Also known as: Stevens Model 26 Crack Shot, Stevens No. 26 Crackshot, Crack Shot 26

Overview

The Stevens Crack Shot No. 26 is a single-shot, takedown rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle, part of the J. Stevens Arms Company line of inexpensive youth or 'boys' rifles. Introduced in 1912, it uses a lever-actuated falling-block action with an exposed hammer and breaks down into two parts via a central takedown screw for easy transport. Light, simple, and affordable, it was among the most popular beginner rifles of the early 20th century.

Specifications

Weight (empty)1814 g (64.0 oz)
Overall Length965 mm (37.99")
Barrel Length559 mm (22.01")
Action TypeFalling Block
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity1 rounds
Muzzle Velocity320 m/s (1050 fps)
Muzzle Energy130 J (96 ft·lbf)
Effective Range75 m (82 yd)
Maximum Range1500 m (1640 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist406 mm (15.98")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Production

Production years: 1912-1939

Part of the Stevens Boys Rifles series produced from 1890 to 1943; the No. 26 had a 27-year production run.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: J. Stevens Arms Company

Discontinued: 1939

Notes

Originally offered with an 18-inch barrel; the barrel was lengthened to 20 inches in 1924 and to 22 inches in 1929. Also chambered over its life for .22 Short and .22 Long. A smoothbore shot variant, the Crack Shot No. 26-1/2, was offered for .22 and .32 rimfire shot cartridges.

Background

Stevens 'Boys Rifles' like the Crack Shot introduced generations of young Americans to marksmanship in the early 1900s, sold cheaply through hardware stores and mail-order catalogs as a first rifle.