Stevens Gould Model Target Pistol
J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company · Pistol · Discontinued · 1889
Also known as: Stevens-Gould No. 37, Stevens Gould Model No. 37, Gould Target Pistol
Overview
The Stevens Gould Model Target Pistol is a single-shot, tip-up target pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle (and offered in .25 Stevens Rimfire), produced by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company from the late 1880s. Named in honor of the arms writer and expert Arthur Corbin Gould, it was one of the premium single-shot target pistols from Stevens' golden age of precision handguns. The tip-up action pivots the half-octagon barrel upward for loading a single cartridge directly into the chamber, an arrangement prized for its inherent accuracy and simplicity. The Gould model was nearly identical to the company's Conlin model, differing chiefly in its trigger arrangement, which lacked the Conlin's spur. Fitted with fine target sights, a long sight radius, and finely checkered walnut grips, the pistol was aimed squarely at the competitive gallery and offhand target shooter of its era.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 680 g (24.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 375 mm (14.76") |
| Barrel Length | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Height | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Sight Radius | 260 mm (10.24") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Tip Up Barrel, Single Shot, Half Octagon Barrel, Target Sights, Checkered Walnut Grips, Adjustable Rear Sight
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,200 · Production years: 1889-1903
Approximately 1,200 manufactured circa 1889-1903 during the Stevens single-shot target pistol golden age; low-volume premium target model.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company
Discontinued: 1903
Notes
Also offered in .25 Stevens Rimfire. Distinguished from the near-identical Conlin model by the absence of a trigger-guard spur.
Background
Named for Arthur Corbin Gould, the influential 19th-century American firearms author and founder of Shooting and Fishing, the Gould model belonged to Stevens' celebrated family of single-shot target pistols alongside the Lord and Conlin models, weapons that helped define competitive American handgun shooting before the rise of the repeating target pistol.