Stevens Favorite
Stevens · Rifle · Discontinued · 1894
Also known as: Stevens Favorite No. 17, Favorite No. 18, Bicycle Rifle
Overview
The Stevens Favorite is a lightweight single-shot rifle using a lever-actuated falling-block action, introduced in 1894 as an inexpensive small-game and youth 'boys' rifle. Chambered in rimfire cartridges such as .22 LR, .22 Short and .25 Stevens Rimfire, it featured a takedown D-ring for easy transport. Affordable, accurate and reliable, it became one of the most popular first rifles in America.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1928 g (68.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 914 mm (35.98") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 340 m/s (1115 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 150 J (111 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6mm Rimfire
- .22 Short — also known as .22 Short
- .25 Stevens Rimfire — also known as .25 Stevens, .25 Stevens Long, .25 Long Rimfire
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Takedown D Ring, Lever Actuated Falling Block, Open Sights, Boys Rifle
Variants
- Stevens Favorite No. 17 — Open Sights
- Stevens Favorite No. 21 Bicycle Rifle — Short Barrel
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,000,000 · Production years: 1894-1935
Over one million produced across the original run; later revived as the Models 71/72/74 and Model 30
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Joshua Stevens
Discontinued: 1935
Notes
Catalogued as Nos. 17-21 with different sights and barrels; the No. 21 'Bicycle Rifle' had a 20-inch barrel. Reintroduced by Savage/Stevens in 1971-1989 and again from the late 1990s.
Background
Cheap enough to sell for around six dollars, light and accurate, the Favorite was many an American youngster's very first rifle and was revived twice by Savage as a nostalgia piece.